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Landing of the Pilgrims. 

See page 64. 



TRUE STORIES 



American Fathers, 



GIRLS AND BOYS ALL OVER THE LAND. 



BY 

Miss REBECCA M'CONKEY. 



"Sayings of 'old: which we have heard and known, and our fathers 
have told us: . . . that the generation to oome might know them, 
even the children which should be bom: who should arise and declare 
them to theu- children: that they might set their hope in Ch)d."— Psa. 
Ixxviii. 



^tn Mlln$txntxaix$, 



NEW YORK: .: 
TTELSON & PHILLIPS. 

CINCINNATI : HITCHCOCK & WALDEN. 




Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by 

NELSON & PHILLIPS, 

in the Oflice of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



PREFACE. 



(HE Authoress of the accompanying little 
volume thinks no apology necessary for 
presenting to our young people an " old story." 
Being a story of the " immortals," it will bear 
to be retold all down the ages. She remem- 
bers how her own childish imagination was 
stirred with its wonders and glories ; how she 
found the old Greek valors and heroisms, 
the statuesque Roman virtues and patriotisms, 
and the romantic exploits of the "Coeurs de 
Lions" of the Crusades, all paralleled in this 
story of the early heroes of our own land. 
Then, too, its wonders and its glories were 
wrought after a loftier inspiration, and its hero- 
isms were tuned to a higher key. The ma- 
chinery of the story disclosed also the presence 
and the working of the living and the true 



6 Preface, 

God, who made bare his arm in the eyes of all 
the people. 

We think no candid student of the early 
annals of American History can fail to be con- 
vinced that this country was committed by the 
God of nations into the custody of Protestant 
Dissenters, and it remains to see how they will 
acquit themselves of their high commission. 
The Western World, discovered by Columbus 
under the patronage of Catholic Spain, was for 
a hundred years following explored, mapped, 
and accurately described, at immense cost, by 
Spanish Catholic expeditions, which utterly 
failed to subdue or settle it. We refer, of 
course, to that part of the Continent which is 
now the United States. The French had bet- 
ter success in Canada, but their hold on our 
territory was but a chain of military outposts, 
without the stamina necessary to successful 
colonization, and all these early fell by the for- 
tunes of war into English Protestant hands. 
Neither do we except the colonization of Mary- 
land afterward by Calvert — one of the purest. 



Preface, 7 

gentlest natures that ever adorned humanity — 
because the colony was speedily reinforced and 
filled up with Protestant immigration, so that it 
soon lost entirely its Catholic identity. The 
immense immigration of both devout and in- 
fidelized Catholics of the last days is rather 
matter of regret than felicitation, for assimila- 
tion has not kept pace with growth, and an 
inevitable constitutional weakness is the re- 
sult, that painfully suggests the image of the 
Prophet's vision, "part iron and part clay." 
Yet to-day the country is still the heritage of 
Protestant Dissent. 

While these views are not disguised in the 
little historical sketches we offer, we trust we 
have " set down naught in malice," and that no 
sectional bitterness will be found to disfigure 
these pages, which, written for the young, ought 
to breathe only "peace and good-will." 



OOIJTEI^T S 



CHAPTEE I. 
The Discovery— Christopher Columbus Page 13 

CHAPTER II. 
Exploration— Cabeza de Vacca— Ferdinand de Soto 27 

CHAPTER III. 
Virginia Colonized— John Smith— Maryland Colonized— Lord 
Baltimore ^ 

CHAPTEE IV. 

Massachusetts Colonized— Pilgrims— Sir Harry Vane 57 

CHAPTER V. 
Pennsylvania Colonized— William Penn 73 

CHAPTER VI. 
The Carolinas and Georgia— Judith Menigault 88 

CHAPTEE VII. 

Enemies Across the Sea— First Dream of " Union" 97 

CHAPTER VIII. 
French War— French Jealousy and French Intrigues 108 



10 Contents. 

CHAPTEE IX. 
British Stupidity— Taxation and Tyranny— William Pitt 
— "Sons of Liberty" — South Carolina and Massachusetts 
say, " We be Brethren " Page 119 

CHAPTEE X. 

King George Insults Benjamin Franklin — Lexington and 
Concord Avenge the Insult— First Congress 130 

CHAPTEE XI. 
Eaton and AUen — Bunker Hill — Second Congress — General 
George Washington 147 

CHAPTEE XII. 
The Canadian Expedition — Eichard Montgomery 164 

CHAPTEE Xm. 
King George's Troops ask Washington's Leave to go out of 
Boston — The British next pay their Eespects to Charleston, 
and are Inhospitably Eeceived by Moultrie behind Palmetto 
Logs 181 

CHAPTEE XIV. 
A Nation is Born in a Day— July 4, 1776— Salutatory— De- 
claration of Independence — Thomas Jefferson — England 
Hurls all her Military Eesources upon Washington's Army 
— New York lost, but the Cause Saved 200 

CHAPTEE XV. 
Washington Eetreats through New Jersey — Disaster "Fol- 
lows Fast and Follows Faster"— Washington's Faith and 



Contents. 1 1 

Courage — He Attempts the Impossible and Accomplishes it 
— Eecrosses the Delaware, Saves Philadelphia, and Chases 
the British Back to New York Page 215 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Ticonderoga Surrenders to Burgoyne— Joy in England 
— Sorrow in America— The Tide Turns— Burgoyne Sur- 
renders his Whole Army to Gen. Gates— Joy in America 
—Sorrow in England 229 



CHAPTEE XVII. 

Washington Loses Philadelphia — Grander in Defeat than in 
Victory — Valley Forge — An Army of Heroes 242 



CHAPTEE XVIII. 

The French Declare Openly for the American Cause — The 
British More Anxious to get Safely out of Philadelphia than 
they were to get into it — French Promises better than 
French Performances • 257 



CHAPTEE XIX. 

France, Spain, and Holland unite against England — She 
makes Heroic Eesistance, but continues the War upon Amer- 
ica with Ferocity — The Tide of Btttle flows Southward and 
the British take Charleston 274 



CHAPTEE XX. 

At the South, all is lost except Honor — At the North, 
Treason— Benedict Arnold— Dark Hours 288 



12 Contents. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

The Morning Seems to Dawn — Heaven Sends the Ele- 
ments to Help — Hard Fighting in the Carolinas — Many De- 
feats which Invariahly Turned Out to be Victories Page 300 

CHAPTER XXII. 
Surrender of Cornwallis to Washington— Peace 813 



fIlM;sirati0tts* 



Landing of the Pilgrims 2 

Montgomery's Expedition into Canada 166 

Washington Crossing the Delaware 222 



TRUE STORIES 

OF THE 

AMERICAN FATHERS. 



CHAPTER I. 

The Discovery — Christoptier Columbus. 

tHE hands'of the library clock were at the 
stroke of six ; the children were gathered 
round the table awaiting with eager faces 
Aunt Edith's appearance. The chill December 
winds that swept the lawn and portico put an 
early stop to their out-door sports, and drove 
the little folks to seek their pleasures at the fire- 
side. The household at " Perry Hall " was a 
well-regulated one, and the supper-bell rang 
promptly at seven. It had been the children's 
custom to spend the hour preceding this in 
story-telling and story-listening, with their fa- 
ther. But he was to be absent this winter : he 
sat in the national councils, mending and mak- 
ing the laws of the land. The mother was a 
confirmed invalid, and could only bear a short 



14 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

visit each day from her children. The sole 
hope to make the library-hour a pleasant one 
was in Aunt Edith, whose rare gift for story- 
telling was beyond dispute. She had actually 
promised, if they would consent that it should 
be an hour of instruction as well as entertain- 
ment, to tell them some true stories, which 
every little American boy and girl ought to 
know, and to try to tell them so simply that 
even " Stevey " would understand them, at least 
in part. They readily consented, for Albert, 
fourteen, and Nannie, twelve, considered them- 
selves too old and far too wise to listen to fairy 
tales. Harry was ten, and "didn't care a but- 
ton" whether the story was true or false, if it 
was only a "real good story." Stevey was 
eight, and would be satisfied with any story if 
Aunt Edith would tell it. The clock had bare- 
ly ceased striking when they heard Aunt Edith's 
step on the stairs, and in another moment she 
was seated among them. Stevey in his cush- 
ioned chair claimed the seat of privilege close 
beside her, with his golden curls and small 
white face touching her shoulder, where he so 
loved to rest his weary head. Patient little 
sufferer from an incurable malady, a household 
angel was "little Steve" — one of those visions 
let down into our homes for awhile, to be soon 



The Discovery — Christop'her Columbus. 15 

received up again, drawing our hearts after 
them into the heavens. 

Aunt Edith laid some maps upon the table, 
saying, " I shall talk to you this evening, dear 
children, about the discoverers of our country. 
Can any of you tell me who discovered the 
Western Continent } " 

Harry answered, " Columbus, in 1492." 

" How long ago t " 

The children studied awhile, and Albert an- 
swered correctly. 

" It seems a long while. Perhaps you think 
Columbus is dead, and we may forget him ex- 
cept in connection with the dry historical fact 
that he first discovered land in the Western 
Hemisphere in 1492 ; but I want you to let 
him be with us here, a fireside reality to-night, 
while we talk of his virtues and his splendid 
deeds, and the vast benefits he conferred on his 
fellow-men without asking or receiving any re- 
ward. Harry, lift the globe and set it on the 
table before us. Now find Italy." 

" O, aunty ! he is looking for Italy in the 
Gulf of Mexico ! " cried Nannie, laughing. 

" Hold on a minute ; I reckon I am coming 
to it," said Harry, with a sly wink ; for he was 
an ambitious boy, and did not like to be caught 
napping. 



1 6 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

" Well, get across the Atlantic as quickly as 
possible, and, please, don't keep us waiting," 
said Albert. "There, go through the Straits 
of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean." 

" Yes, yes, here it is," cried Harry, " shaped 
like a boot." 

"What are its boundaries, Albert!" asked 
Aunt Edith. 

" It is a peninsula, bounded by the sea on the 
south, east, and west, and has Austria and 
Switzerland on the north. 

" Naturally, then," continued Aunt Edith, 
" the Italians would be a sea-going, commercial 
people. Commerce means carrying articles from 
where they are grown or are made to other 
places where they are wanted. The Italian 
cities had grown rich and powerful by this car- 
rying trade, and had the boldest, bravest sailors 
and navigators, though they had never gone far 
beyond the Mediterranean Sea, except along 
the northern coast of Africa, and through the 
Straits of Gibraltar, along the French coast, and 
as far north as England. Nannie, find Genoa." 

" Here it is, aunty, in the north-western part 
of Italy, on the Gulf of Genoa." 

" Very well ; it is interesting to us to-night as 
the birthplace of Columbus. He was the son 
of a poor wool-comber. He had few advantages, 



The Discovery — Christopher Columbus. 17 

for there were no public schools in Italy then, 
and indeed none at this day, where the poor 
man's son can grow learned without money and 




COLUMBUS. 



without price. His daily toil over, the thought- 
ful boy spent his leisure hours on the sea-shore. 
He loved the sea. Its murmuring waves as they 
rolled up to his feet brought strange tales to his 
young spirit of far-off lands unvisited, over the 
waste of waters. He sat and listened by the 



1 8 True Stories of the Arnerican Fathers, 

hour to the stories of the old sailors. Their 
fancies and legends were woven into his own 
dreams, by day and by night, until the far-off 
lands were almost as plain to his vision as the 
spires and towers of his native city, or the boats 
and ships in her harbor. His love for the sea 
overcame his fear of it, and the boy resolved 
that one day he would begin his ocean-journey, 
and sail to the setting sun in search of the 
lands of which he dreamed. He studied geog- 
raphy, and knew all the maps by heart ; though, 
of course, they were very imperfect, and not at 
all like those you study from. Well, Columbus 
grew from thoughtful boyhood into thoughtful 
manhood, but he remembered "the dreams of 
his youth." How could he realize them } Who 
would believe with him t Who would furnish 
him ships or money, or venture out with him 
on the pathless, unknown waters 1 I cannot 
linger now to tell you all Columbus' difficul- 
ties and discouragements — how he was laughed 
at and scorned for his dreams, alike by the 
ignorant and the learned, in his own city and 
in strange cities ; but none could shake his 
faith ; it had become an inspiration. At last 
he made his way into the presence of the ruler 
of his country, seeking to kindle the royal am- 
bition with the prospect of vast empires to be 



The Discovery — Christopher Cohtmbus. 19 

discovered and claimed in his name ; but the 
prince's vision was dim. He had not Colum- 
bus' faith to see the unseen, and he closed his 
ear to his appeal. The young Italian turned 
away from his native land and sought favor in 
foreign courts. Some historians say that he 
appeared both at the English and French courts, 
but without success. Now find Spain, Harry," 
and Aunt Edith pointed it out to Steve on her 
map. 

" I have it here in the south-western part of 
Europe." 

" Very well. On the throne of Spain sat the 
youthful pair, Ferdinand and Isabella. Colum- 
bus gained admittance into the royal presence ; 
he laid his maps before the king and queen, and 
explained his theories and gave his reasons. 
We have no proof that Ferdinand gave him the 
least encouragement) but that queenly woman, 
Isabella, believed with him ; the fire of his en- 
thusiasm kindled hers, and she opened her 
royal caskets and gave the adventurer her 
jewels. The jewels were sold, and the money 
purchased three small vessels and manned 
them. On the 3d of August, 1492, Columbus, 
with heart full of hope, sailed away from the 
little town of Palos, in Spain. He first went 
south and touched at the Canary Islands ; after 



20 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

that he steered west. You will find those islands 
on the western coast of Africa, Harry." 

" Yes, here they are : Canary Islands, They 
belong to Spain, it says on the map." 

" The land now had faded away ; they were 
alone on the wide sea— the three little vessels. 
They tried always to keep together, but this it 
was sometimes difficult to do—tempests tossed 
them ; the deeps threatened to swallow them up. 
Days had grown into weeks, and weeks into 
months ; there was nothing to be seen but sky 
above, and water, water every-where. Still Co- 
lumbus kept his course, steering always toward 
the setting sun, for that was his dream. At 
length provisions began to be scarce ; the men 
became weary of the monotony of the voyage, 
and were fearful they would never see land or 
home again. But Columbus had great influ- 
ence over them, and persuaded them to continue 
their course. This happened many times, until 
at last they feared they would starve for want 
of food ; and indeed there was great danger of 
it. They rebelled, and threatened to take Co- 
lumbus' life unless he would turn bdck. He be- 
sought them to continue but three days longer, 
with the promise that if in that time no land 
appeared he would yield to their demands, and 
turn his ships' prows homeward. They had no 



The Discovery — Christopher Columbus. 21 

sympathy with the high aims and. lofty pur- 
poses of the man who led them. 

" Now, dear children, think of the agony of 
spirit that this man must have endured for these 
three days. To fail now was to fail always. If 
he returned unsuccessful, who would assist him 
in a second venture 1 how could he present him- 
self before the noble woman who had sacrificed 
so much, v/ho had beheved in him, whose name 
was linked with his, either to be honored if he 
succeeded, or scorned if he failed .'' Through 
the live-long day his straining eye swept the 
dim distance for some blessed line of lee- 
shore, but there was none. And now the days 
were done, and the shadows of the third night 
came down gently on the little vessels, on the 

j far-stretching weary waters, and on the sad, 
anxious heart of the man Columbus. This one 
night was all that remained, for on the morrow 

' he must keep his promise ; he must bury in 
the deep sea the hopes of his life, and turn his 
face homeward. Columbus did not sleep ; no, 
he paced the deck of the little vessel under the 
bright stars of that tropical sky through all the 
watches of the night. The stars faded back 
into the sky ; Columbus bared his head and 
prayed — for he was a devout Catholic — that God 
would take the helm, that he would show him 



22 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

favor, and bring him to his desired haven. And 
Columbus stayed his soul on God and trusted 
in him, and even while he prayed the day 
dawned, and a loud cry rang out on the morn- 
ing air, from the man on the watch, *' Land 
ahead ! ho ! land ahead ! " 

The children clapped their hands and laughed 
for joy. Harry swung his cap, and called for 
three cheers for Columbus ; and Albert proposed 
three for Isabella, who was a great woman to 
give up her jewels ; not many would. Nannie 
looked indignant, while little Grace, coming in 
at the moment, jumped up and down, without 
at all knowing the cause of the joy which had 
made such a little uproar around the table. 
After a few minutes, Aunt Edith called them to 
order by inquiring if they were not curious to 
know what land it was that Columbus had 
found. 

" It was an island," said Albert, " but the 
name I don't remember." 

"■ One of the group of Bahamas, off the east- 
ern coast of Florida, which Columbus named 
San Salvador. Trace his course, Nannie, on 
the globe." 

" Due west, aunty, from Spain." 

" A little south too." 

" How many miles, Harry } " 



The Discovery — Christopher Columbus. 23 

** Three thousand." 

"They came to anchor some distance from 
the shore. How rejoiced they were now that 
they had not turned back ! How beautiful the 
land looked ! Birds of brilliant plumage and 
wondrous song flew about their ships, the rich 
perfume of tropical plants and fruits filled the 
air, while the natives, with their grotesque 
adornments of feathers and jewels, gathered on 
the sea-shore to behold the wonderful strangers, 
the pale-faces, not knowing whether they were 
gods or men. Columbus, arrayed in scarlet 
robes, richly embroidered, embarked in small 
boats with his officers and the priests who had 
accompanied him, all in full dress, and they 
rowed to the land. Stepping on shore, Colum- 
bus prostrated himself and kissed the ground. 
Kneeling, he planted a cross, the symbol of his 
faith ; the priests chanted a hymn of thanks- 
giving—the first Christian service on the soil 
of the new world ; then, rising to his feet, 
Columbus drew his sword, the symbol of earth- 
ly power, and claimed the discovered territory 
in the name of Isabella, queen of Spain. 

" The natives were a gentle, docile race ; they 
looked upon their visitors as superiors, and 
offered them Indian hospitalities. The Span- 
iards distributed among them presents they had 



24 TriLC Stories of the American Fathers. 

brought, and they were good friends. Colum- 
bus visited other larger islands in the Caribbean 
Sea, and named them West Indies, believing 
them to be part of that group which were only 
imperfectly known to Europeans as the East 
Indies. He did not then know that a continent 
and a wide ocean lay between the West and East 
Indies. After exploring the various islands, and 
lading their vessels with tropical fruits, birds, 
spices, etc., they set sail for home, to carry the 
glad tidings of their success. 

" You can imagine how they were received 
on their return, and how proudly and thank- 
fully Columbus bent his knee, and offered his 
homage to the youthful queen who had given 
him her faith and her jewels. This question 
that the centuries had been asking, whether the 
world was round — whether other unexplored 
continents lay on- its opposite side — was now 
answered, and Columbus was the man who had 
answered it. Others had thought so before 
him, others had dreamed it, but he realized 
their dream and his own. Many people think 
dreamers and poets are a useless class of peo- 
ple, but this is a mistake. They have their 
mission to perform for the good of the v^^orld ; 
their brains conceive, and other men's hands 
work out their conception. But Columbus both 



The Discovery — Christopher Columbus. 25 

dreamed and brought it to pass, so that his 
name is placed high up among the immortals. 
His history teaches us the lesson of fidelity to 
the highest thought within us. Columbus felt 
himself inspired to do this work, and he 
was faithful to that inspiration through evil as 
well as good report. Alas ! that his history 
should also furnish us so sad an example of the 
ingratitude of those upon whom he had con- 
ferred benefits so vast. 

"While he and his heroic companions re- 
ceived honor from many, yet there were not 
wanting those full of envy and malice who 
endeavored in every way to belittle him and 
steal from him the fame he had so fairly won. 
Among these was King Ferdinand himself, 
who was no doubt mortified that he had failed 
to recognize his greatness, and thus become 
known to after ages as the patron of so great 
a man. Though Columbus spent his life in the 
work of advancing human knowledge, braving 
the perils of the sea, twice shipwrecked, and 
passing months in desert lands, yet the malice 
of his enemies followed him to the end. From 
his fourth and last voyage he was brought home 
in chains, on some petty charge, by order of 
Ferdinand. He was now an old man ; Isabella, 
his queenly patron, was dead ; his constitution 



26 True Stories of the Ameiican Fathers. 

was shattered by the labors and perils of his 
life, and he gladly closed his eyes in death. 
Though his own generation was not worthy of 
him, yet after ages gave him reverence ; and as 
long as our race endures his name will be linked 
with lofty wishes and mighty achievements. 

" Now, Albert, you may make a list of heroes 
if you wish, beginning with Columbus, and I 
think I can furnish you with at least one new 
one each night." 

The children thanked Aunt Edith for the 
story, and Aunt Edith thanked them because 
they had been such attentive listeners. Here 
the tea-bell rang, and away they all scampered 
into the dining-room. 



Exploration — De Vacca — De Soto. 27 



CHAPTER 11. 

Exploration— Cabeza de Vaeea— Ferdinand de Soto. 

''mI^HE children had been waitino^ for ten min- 
\^ utes to hear the clock strike six. Aunt 
Edith came into the library just two min- 
utes before the time, and found her little auditors 
all ready "to start on another voyage." But 
she begged them not to lose the thread of the 
story, saying: "I want you to consider what a 
state of mind Europe was thrown into when 
the fact was settled that rich islands and conti- 
nents lay on the opposite side of the world, and 
within such easy reach ; for Columbus had left 
Spain in August, and in October had taken 
possession of the West India Islands in the 
name of Isabella. The rage for discovery seized 
all classes, and the spirit of romance and ad- 
venture possessed them. The kings of other 
European countries were now only too eager 
to share with Spain the possession of these 
western empires that promised to open such 
inexhaustible stores of wealth. They gladly 
patronized and assisted any brave and skillful 
navigator who would follow Columbus' example 



28 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

and undertake discovery and exploration. I 
want you to notice that Columbus in his first 
voyage did not visit the mainland. It was not 
until his third voyage that he touched the 
shores of South America, and explored most of 
its eastern coast. But North America was first 
visited by the Cabots, father and son, immedi- 
ately after Columbus' return from his first voy- 
age. They sailed from England with a patent 
from the English king, to discover and claim 
territory in the name of England. They first 
touched the shores of Labrador, and afterward 
sailed into the bays and harbors of what is now 
New England, and as far south as Virginia. 
They made several voyages, thoroughly explor- 
ing the whole eastern coast of North America, 
beginning at the dismal cliffs of Labrador, where 
their ships were well-nigh crushed and borne 
down by the icebergs. They went on shore at 
various points, learned all they could of the soil, 
productions, and natives, and affixed the banner 
of England to this vast continent. The Cabots 
were learned and courtly Venetian gentlemen, 
but had long lived in England as merchants. 
They collected much valuable information on 
their voyages. The younger Cabot spent his 
life and much of his private fortune in these 
expeditions, and was known and honored in 



Exploration — De Vacca — De Soto. 29 

every court in- Europe. He lived to extreme 
old age, and in his dying moments his wander- 
ing thoughts were still upon the ocean. The 
French king did not want Spain and England 
to possess all these new worlds, so he too sent 
out expeditions. They engaged extensively in 
the fisheries of Newfoundland, and traded, with 
the Indians for furs. This brought them much 
wealth. They explored what is now Canada, 
and raised there the crass, bearing a shield 
with the lilies of France. The Jesuit priests 
set about converting the Indians. They named 
the noble gulf and river, St. Lawrence, after one 
of their martyrs. Champlain, a noble French- 
man, who was called the father of French settle- 
ments in Canada, gave his name to the beautiful 
lake which we sailed on last summer. Albert, 
where is it } " 

" In the northern part of New York, between 
New York and Vermont, aunty." 

" But the Spanish continued to push their 
discoveries with great perseverance, and claimed 
all the continent by right of first discovery, 
though this claim was never recognized by 
other nations. As early as 1530 the Spaniards 
and Portuguese had surveyed and explored 
all the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico. They 
crossed the Isthmus of Panama, and were first 



30 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

to look upon the broad Pacific. Expeditions 
from these countries, under Cortes and Pizarro, 
conquered Peru, in South America, and Mexico, 
in North America, and found out that these 
countries were full of gold and silver ore, and 
precious stones. They returned to Spain with 
their stolen treasures of gold and silver, trophies 
from these conquered empires, and they boldly 
affirmed that toward the north and east, in the 
interior of what they called Florida, which name 
included the whole of what is now the United 
States and Canada, there were other more 
flourishing and magnificent Indian empires, 
which could be conquered and plundered just 
as easily as those of Mexico and Peru had been. 
"The imaginative Spaniards listened and be- 
lieved the story. Their enthusiasm knew no 
bounds; great expeditions were planned; they 
were to carve up empires with their swords, 
plunder and divide their treasures at will, en- 
slave the conquered natives, and send them 
home in chains. Moreover, they were to pos- 
sess and hold the territory, plant colonies, and 
become the founders of States. No story, no 
legend concerning this favored world of wealth 
and beauty was too extravagant to be believed. 
Many old men joined these expeditions, hopitig 
to renew their youth by bathing in the fabled 



Exploration — De Vacca — De Soto. 31 

fountains of immortality. 'Man proposes, but 
God disposes.' Listen to the story: Two ex- 
peditions left Spain. The first, under Narvaez, 
with a rich fleet of vessels, reached the coast of 
Florida in 1527. They disembarked and pene- 
trated into the country in a north-easterly direc- 
tion, wandering through marshes, swamps, and 
forests, until their numbers were wasted by 
fevers and famine. Dispirited by their failure 
at finding neither gold nor silver, they turned 
back toward the sea. They built small boats 
to bring them down the river more speedily, 
but upon arriving at the coast they were met 
by a West Indian hurricane, which wrecked or 
sunk their boats. A few escaped to the shore 
and there perished with hunger, except a noble 
Spaniard who had been second in command of 
the expedition, named Cabeza de Vacca, with 
three of his companions. 

" This man's career furnishes an excellent 
commentary on the motto * Never despair,' and 
his story ought to stir every boy's courage and 
confirm his resolution always to * try again.' 
The brave Cabeza de Vacca, says the historian, 
*as calm and self-possessed a hero as ever 
graced a fiction,' did not sink in despair nor 
waste time in uselessly bewailing his misfor- 
tunes ; he studied the language and habits of 



32 Tnie Stories of the American Fathers: 

the Indians, peddled articles of his own manu- 
facture from tribe to tribe, and won a great 
name among them as a ' medicine man "of won- 
derful gifts; Though completely at the mercy 
of the Indians, yet he bore a charmed life— no 
hand was lifted against him or his companions. 
He made friends of the red men, and was wel- 
comed as a superior being wherever he went. 
For six years he lived among them, and at last 
formed the resolution to penetrate the interior 
of the country, taking a westward course. He, 
with his three companions and many Indian 
warriors, who gladly followed the fortunes of 
the man who had so fascinated them, journeyed 
westward through the rich and fertile vales of 
what we now know as Alabama and Mississippi 
until they, first of men from the Old World, 
came in sight of the ' Father of waters,' the king 
among rivers — the Mississippi. They crossed 
and traveled on westward still, over the mighti- 
est chain of mountains on the earth — the Rocky 
Mountains — making their entire pilgrimage on 
foot. At the end of two years these brave 
pioneers of the forest emerged from the wilder- 
ness, and came in sight of the Pacific Ocean, 
at the village of San Miguel, in Sonora. From 
that place they went to Mexico, where they 
were welcomed with great honors, which they 



Exploration — De Vacca — -De Soto. 33 

richly deserved. On their return to Spain they 
were received with high honors from all brave 
men and fair women. Cabeza de Vacca ad- 
dressed a narrative of his adventures to the 
king, who bestowed upon him the title of the 
* Columbus of the Continent.' " 

" Well done ! *' exclaimed Harry. " I hope 
you will put his name down in the list of heroes, 
Albert, and I wish I could get that narrative. 
I should like to read every word of it." 

Here Albert traced with his finger over the 
map exactly the course which he thought they 
followed, and the children were filled with won- 
der and admiration at such an achievement. 

" Now, children, let me tell you of the second 
Spanish expedition under Ferdinand de Soto, 
who had been with Cortes at the conquest of 
Mexico. He was accompanied by six hundred 
men in the bloom of life, of whom many were 
Spanish nobility who had sold their houses, 
vineyards, and landed estates to equip them- 
selves for this expedition, from which they were 
to return enriched a hundred-fold for ail they 
had expended. A numerous body of priests 
also accompanied them with their gorgeous 
vestments and altar ornaments, for the natives 
were to be converted to the Catholic faith. 
Unfortunately they also carried chains and 



34 True Stories of the Americmt Fathers. 

handcuffs to secure the captive Indians, and 
blood-hounds with which to track and hunt 
them. They had an army of horsemen and one 
of infantry. Thus they set off very magnifi- 
cently 'with glittering armor and silk upon 
silk.' They landed upon the coast of Florida, 
near the bay of Apalachicola. Look it up, 
Harry, and show your map to the children. 
They journeyed northward and eastward. Dan- 
gers beset them. The natives, who had learned 
to fear and hate the Spaniards, sent many a 
poisoned arrow whirling through the air from 
their secure hiding-places. When caught by 
the Spaniards and questioned where gold and 
silver could be found, they purposely led them 
into swamps and morasses, up and down, so 
that they wearied themselves without making 
any progress. They were very cruel to the 
Indians, cutting off their fingers and hands for 
little cause, and throwing them to their hounds 
to be torn to pieces. They burned whole In- 
dian settlements with all their stores, which 
caused great suffering to the natives and to 
themselves also, as they depended mainly upon 
the plunder of the Indian store-houses for their 
subsistence. 

"They traveled through what is now the 
States of Georgia and the Carolinas, admiring 



Exploration — De Vacca — De Soto. 35 

the magnificent oaks, the graceful palmetto, the 
fragrant magnolias, the sweet gum, the pine, 
the cypress, with their festoons of vine, the 
multitude of birds of rare plumage and song, 
and many animals they had never seen before. 
But they found no gold, no gems, no great 
Indian cities with rich temples to plunder and 
destroy. The murderous arrows of the Indian 
and the autumnal fevers wasted them. They 
would gladly have been at home again, but 
they were ashamed to go. The proud Spanish 
chief, Ferdinand de Soto, he who had gained 
such glory in Mexico, could not brook the 
thought of failure. He had promised his fol- 
lowers more magnificent conquests than those 
of Cortes and Pizzaro, and was resolved to 
keep that promise. 

" He continued his course gloomy and silent. 
Summer and winter had passed away. They 
turned their faces westward, crossed the beau- 
tiful Tennessee, went through the Cherokee 
settlements, where there was abundance of gold 
beneath their wear}^ feet, but the Indians knew 
nothing of it. Westward still they toiled through 
the fertile vales of Alabama and Mississippi, un- 
til they reached the shores of ' the mighty river 
that comes down from the north.' It was a 

mile wide, with deep and rapid current. They 
3 



36 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

were detained many weeks building rafts strong 
enough to bear their horses. They still hoped 
to find in the country beyond the great river 
the golden empires they were seeking. Their 
course was westward and northward, explor- 
ing the great river and its tributaries, and all 
that country which we call Arkansas and Mis- 
souri. They found neither gems nor gold. 
Despairingly they turned their steps southward 
and toward the river again. Three years of 
wanderings through forests and across rivers 
and marshes, Indian arrows, and the malaria 
of the country, had diminished their numbers 
to a handful. Instead of the rich and noble 
army of Spanish courtiers, dressed in mag- 
nificent silks, their horsemen and infantry in 
glittering armor of burnished steel, that start- 
ed to enslave a continent, only two or three 
hundred exhausted, emaciated men, clothed in 
skins or mats of ivy or feathers, remained to 
De Soto. 

"The proud Spaniard looked on the rushing 
current of the mighty river, and longed to go 
with it down to a sea of forgetfulness. He was 
a broken-hearted man. A wasting fever seized 
him. Calling his followers around him, he named 
his successor, bade them farewell, and died. 
The Spaniards wished to conceal his death 



Exploration — De Vacca — De Soto. 37 

from the Indians, who held him in great awe. 
To do this they wrapped his body in a mantle, 
at midnight they rowed to the middle of the 
river, and while the priests chanted a requiem 
of sorrow, they silently sunk it beneath the 
waters. Thus died the explorer of the great 
Mississippi Valley and River, who, says the 
historian, had crossed a large part of the conti- 
nent in search of gold, and found nothing so 
remarkable as his burial-place. 

" All that the wretched remnant of De Soto's 
followers could now do was to follow the river 
down to the gulf They were too weary to 
march, and were five hundred miles from its 
mouth. They must needs build boats — no easy 
matter. They erected a forge, gathered all the 
iron in the camp, struck off the handcuffs and 
^ chains from their Indian captives, and bade 
them go, melted their stirrups and spurs, and 
turned all this metal into nails, and made rough 
boats of logs split up. They stole from the In- 
dians all the provisions they could find, loaded 
! their boats, and floated down the stream. Many 
I days brought them to the gulf, many more they 
!beat about the coasts, until few remained to be 
j rescued and tell the tale of their disastrous fail- 
iure. It was indeed a failure from their selfish 
I point of view, for they were nothing more than 



38 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

a magnificent band of robbers, who proposed 
only to enrich themselves. But it was not 
really a failure, for they had explored the inte- 
rior of a vast continent, and preserved and car- 
ried back to Europe correct maps and accounts 
of it. Human knowledge was advanced, and 
the world at large reaped the benefit of their 
sufferings. Thus God overrules all things to 
work out his will. The record of the Spaniards 
in America is a dark one. They treated the 
Indians with miserable cruelty, enticed them 
on their vessels, and carried them away into 
slavery. One of their last acts was the mas- 
sacre of a colony of Huguenots, who were 
French Protestants and had settled in Florida. 
They planted a colony of Catholics in its place, 
and called it St. Augustine. This is the old- 
est town in the United States by forty years, 
but it was founded in cruelty and bigotry, and 
never flourished. Indeed, the Spaniards had 
no success in any attempt to plant settlements 
on the soil of the United States, for God 
had reserved this territory to be settled by 
Protestants." 

"What a merciful Providence!" exclaimed 
Nannie. " Those dreadful Spaniards might have 
brought the cruel Inquisition into our beautiful 
country." 



Exploration — De Vacca — De Soto. 39 

" Yes, merciful indeed," continued Aunt 
Edith ; " but God was preparing better things 
for this favored land and for his chosen people, 
even a Gospel of love and not of hate, of ' peace 
on earth and good-will to men/ Such spirits 
as George Fox, Hooker, and Roger Williams, 
John Wesley, Whitefield, and Jonathan Ed- 
wards were to be the spiritual Fathers and the 
heralds of this Gospel of love to the dwellers in 
the New World. In all the history of the race 
I know of no more visible manifestation of di- 
vine interference than the early annals of our 
country afford : God making * bare his arm in 
the eyes of all the people.' Again and again, as 
I read the record of his providential arrange- 
ments, I recall the words of inspiration, ' What 
could have been done more to my vineyard 
that I have not done in it t ' And, dear chil- 
dren, you are not too young to realize the 
great responsibility that rests upon you, and 
upon all the children of this Christian land, 
and to understand something of the import of 
those solemn words, ' Where much is given 
much shall be required!' But now let me tell 
you something about Sir Walter Raleigh and 
his brother. 

"The English made many unsuccessful at- 
tempts at colonization before they finally took 



40 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

root in the New World. The efforts made by 
Sir Humphrey Gilbert and Sir Walter Raleigh 
were the most interesting because of the char- 
acter of these men. They were two English 
Protestant noblemen, noble both by nature and 
by birth. They were step-brothers. They ob- 
tained a patent from Queen Elizabeth, and fit- 
ted out two expeditions, spending much of their 
private fortunes in aid of them. Gilbert was a 
man of great piety. He braved danger without 
fear, because * he knew that death was inevi- 
table, and the fame of virtue immortal.' The 
first expedition failed ; part of the ships were 
scattered and lost in fierce storms, others were 
turned back, the men being terrified by suffer- 
ing and privation. 

" Gilbert returned home and fitted out an- 
other expedition, but the elements were not 
more kind than before. His largest vessels were 
wrecked, some others deserted to become pi- 
rates, and he was again obliged to return home- 
Avard. They encountered 'outrageous storms.' 
The vessel in which Gilbert sailed was named 
the ' Squirrel,' a small frail vessel. The brave 
man, sitting calmly at the helm, cried out to 
the terrified seamen, 'We are as near to heav- 
en by sea as by land.' At midnight the lights 
of the 'Squirrel' suddenly disappeared, and as 



Exploration — De Vacca — De Soto. 41 

brave a heart as ever beat was swallowed up in 
the great deep. 

" Sir Walter Raleigh was not discouraged by 
the sad fate of his brother, but he continued to 
encourage emigration to America, for he fore- 
saw that one day a great nation would people 
it. He spent a princely fortune in fitting out 
expeditions, and twice planted colonies in Roa- 
noke Island, North Carolina. The settlers of 
the first colony grew homesick in these far- 
away wilds, and went back to England. The 
others perished for want of provisions. 

" Sir Walter Raleigh was not only a skillful 
sailor and an experienced soldier, but he w^s 
also an accomplished scholar and a graceful 
courtier — a very prince among men. He served 
England for years in her navy, served God 
and the human race by fighting bravely in the 
cause of Protestantism when it was assailed by 
Catholicism, and served the cause of science 
and knowledge by traveling, exploring, and col- 
lecting valuable information. Yet an ungrate- 
ful king— James I., a man of essentially mean 
nature— suffered him to languish in prison for 
years on a false charge, and at last consented 
to his execution. This m^n in his old age 
ascended, with palsied limbs that could scarcely 
support him, an English scaffold, and was be- 



42 True Stories of the American Fathei's. 

headed. But his enemies could not consign his 
name to silence, for, two centuries afterward, 
the State of North Carolina gave to her capital 
city the name of * Raleigh,' thus expressing 
their affection for one of the most extraordinary 
men who ever lived." 

"Why, aunty, his story is sadder than that 
of Columbus," said Albert, gravely. 

"And I like him just as well," added Nannie; 
" don't you, Aunt Edith." 

"I confess, children, the history of all these 
heroic men, the early discoverers and explorers 
of our country, awakened in me the greatest 
admiration. They embarked on these expedi- 
tions in frail vessels, that none of us would be 
brave enough to venture to sea in to-day. They 
knew nothing of tides and currents, as we do. 
So great was the risk that the crews used to 
engage in solemn acts of devotion before start- 
ing. Disaster, suffering, and death they met 
without a murmur. Terrific storms washed 
them (down into watery graves ; the beautiful 
but cruel icebergs of our northern coasts in- 
closed them in icy arms to frozen tombs ; they 
sickened with fevers peculiar to strange cli- 
mates, and filled lonely graves far from home ; 
or, escaping from these perils, they returned 
home to meet the still more crupl arrows of 



Exploration — De Vacca — De Soto. 43 

malice and envy from the hands of false friends 
or ungrateful patrons. Yet, nothing daunted, 
they pursued their way, moved by a lofty 
ambition to increase human knowledge and 
become the benefactors of their race. They 
labored, and those who came after entered into 
their labors." 

Here Harry gave a low growl, which being 
interpreted meant that he was glad we had no 
kings in this country. 




44 True Stories of the A^nerican Fathers. 



CHAPTER III. 

Virginia Colonized — John Smith.. Maryland. Colo- 
nized — Lord Baltimore. 

ND who is to be our hero to-night?" 
asked Albert as Aunt Edith took her 
accustomed place, 

"John Smith," replied Aunt Edith. 

"Ah! I think I have heard that name be- 
fore," said Albert, smiling, 

" You are joking, aunty," said Harry. 

" Not at all, my boy ; only wait until you 
know him, and I think you will find enough of 
romance and heroism in his life and character 
to lend a halo to every descendant of the im- 
mortal race of John Smiths. This John Smith 
was the father of English colonization in the 
United States," 

" Let him come in at once," said Harry, 
drawing up a large arm-chair toward the table, 
" he shall have the best seat in the room." 

" Not quite yet, if you please," returned Aunt 
Edith ; " where did our story break off last 
night,?" 

"With Sir Walter Raleigh and his North 
Carolina colonies, in 1590," answered Nannie. 



Virginia and Maryland Colonized. 45 

"How long sinfe the discovery in 1492?" 

*'Just ninety-eight years." 

" Quite right, Nannie. Now notice, children, 
almost a hundred years had passed in what 
might seem at first sight to be failures — vain 
attempts to colonize North America. Much 
money and many valuable lives had certainly 
been given to it. True, these colonies had 
not yet taken root ; but very much had been 
accomplished by the visits and explorations 
of Europeans to this continent. The study 
of history convinces us that Providence works 
slowly — ' Making no haste, taking no rest.' 
Our heroes of last evening, with others whom 
we could not take time to tell of, had ac- 
complished much. The Cabots had discovered 
North America under English patent. Cabeza 
de Vacca and Ferdinand de Soto had pene- 
trated the interior and mighty West. Gilbert 
and Raleigh had explored and written the his- 
tory of the fairest portions of the eastern coast, 
which they named Virginia, in honor of the 
virgin Queen Elizabeth. They had described 
its noble rivers, its safe and commodious har- 
bors, its fertile soil and varied productions, 
and it was pronounced ' the goodliest soil 
under the cope of heaven. If Virginia had 
but horses and kine, and were inhabited with 



46 TriLC Stories of the American Fathers. 

English, no realm in Chrisfendom were com- 
parable to it.' 

" Ship-load after ship-load of useless dirt had 
been carried back to Europe, and the people 
had waked up out of their dream of gold hunt- 
ing and getting suddenly and lazily rich. They 
saw now clearly that the riches were there, but 
only as the reward of patient toil. The idea 
now was to people this excellent country with 
English, establish commercial relations with 
the settlers, and so both the colonies and the 
mother country would be benefited and en- 
riched. With this view, the next attempt to 
plant a colony in Virginia was made by a com- 
pany of London merchants and business men. 
John Smith, our hero, was one of the leading 
spirits of this expedition. His whole previous 
life seemed a preparation for it. Though he 
was not yet thirty years old, his history was a 
catalogue of romantic adventures and brave 
exploits. In boyhood he had left England to 
battle for the cause of religious freedom in Hol- 
land. Afterward he roamed through Europe 
and crossed the Mediterranean into Egypt ; 
returning thence, he joined the Christians in 
Hungary, and helped to beat back the Mo- 
hammedans. Many and many a Turk went 
down before him in single combat, until his 



Virgijiia and Maryland Colonized. 47 

comrades thought he bore a charmed life, and 
wielded a charmed sword, and the Turks feared 
him, and fled from him as an avenging spirit. 
At length, with a few others, being overpowered 
in a skirmish on the battle-field, he fell dan- 
gerously wounded. He was now a prisoner of 
war, sold like a beast in the market-place, and 
sent to Constantinople as a slave. The extreme 
youth and noble appearance of the young En- 
glish captive excited the interest of a Turkish 
lady, and by her assistance he escaped from 
bondage. He wandered in disguise through 
pathless forests, and once was on the point of 
perishing of hunger, when the hand of woman 
again rescued him and sent him on his way. 
He had resolved now to return to his own 
* sweet country,* but on his way he heard of the 
breaking out of civil war in North Africa. The 
martial spirit got the mastery, and he hastened 
to win fresh glory in this far-off clime. At 
length he turned his steps to the home of his 
youth, 'dear England.' He arrived just in time 
to enter with all the enthusiasm of his nature 
into the scheme of colonizing the New World. 

" The Httle company embarked on three ves- 
sels, December 19, 1606. As they neared the 
coast of Virginia a storm arose and drove 
them into the ' magnificent bay of Chesapeake.' 



48 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

Passing the Capes at its mouth, which they 
called Charles and Henry, after the king's two 
sons — Albert, find them on your map — they 
entered a noble river, which they named James, 
after the king, and sailing up the stream about 
fifty miles they anchored, selected a site, and 
called it Jamestown. Their troubles soon came, 
sickness first, then quarrels among themselves 
and with their president, who was a selfish, 
money-loving man, and looked for his own inte- 
rest only. This had nearly caused the breaking 
up of the colony, which was only prevented by 
dismissing him and putting John Smith at the 
head of affairs. Then cheerfulness succeeded to 
gloom, and hope animated every heart. Smith 
knew human nature under all its forms. His 
genius and resolute will made hira a leader, a 
master, wherever he was. Men obeyed him 
because they could not resist him. He soon 
subdued the spirit of disorder among the col- 
onists, and inspired the Indians with awe and 
submission. But Smith's discerning eye saw 
that the great difficulty in the way of the suc- 
cess of the colony was the character of the 
colonists themselves. There were too many 
useless gentlemen in their little community, 
who were willing to eat while others planted, 
and enjoy themselves while others labored. 






Virginia and Maryland Colonized. 49 



Smith saw that honest, industrious laboring 
men, with wives and families, were the right 
class for immigrants to a new country. He 
wrote back to England to the London Com- 
pany, 'When you send again, I entreat you, 
send rather thirty carpenters, gardeners, fisher- 
men, and blacksmiths, than a thousand such as 
we now have.* 

" In the fall Smith left the colony in a good 
condition, and taking a few men he started to 
explore the coasts of the Chesapeake Bay. 
Through disobedience to his orders they were 
captured by a party of hostile Indians. They 
put all but Smith to instant death ; his courage 
and self-possession overpowered them. He had 
a mysterious power of bringing men under his 
control. He was conducted, with a sort of awe 
i and reverence mixed with fear, from settlement 
to settlement. They did not know what to do 
with him. They feared him ahve, and were 
still more afraid to kill him, for they thought 
him more than man. He was a great trouble 
to them. Again and again in their councils it 
was decided to put him to death, and as often 
it was delayed for fear of the evil his spirit 
might do them. At last a grand council was 
called, and his death once more decided. He 
was led out and the tomahawk raised to sever 



50 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

his head, when, for the third time in his history, 
a woman interfered and rescued him. Smith 
had won the heart of the youthful Indian maid- 
en Pocahontas, daughter of the chief Powhattan, 
and the pride of her tribe for beauty and inteUi- 
gence. She threw herself upon Smith's neck, 
and would not relinquish her hold until her 
father promised to spare his life. He returned 
to the colony to find it relapsed into a state of 
confusion and weakness. The only wish of the 
colonists was to quit the country and return 
to England. They were not brave enough to 
endure its hardships. But Smith forbade it, 
and resisted their purpose at the hazard of his 
own life. 

" While he struggled to keep the colony from 
being thus uprooted, a vessel arrived with more 
immigrants and provisions, and they all re- 
sumed their work of planting crops and building 
houses. Unfortunately an accidental explosion 
of gunpowder wounded Smith so severely that 
he was obliged to resign his position and re- 
turn to England. Intense bodily suffering and 
the ingratitude of his employers were all that 
Smith earned for his great service to the colony. 
* Not one foot of land,' says the historian, 'not the 
house his own hands had built, nor the field his 
own hands had planted, nor any reward but the 



Virginia and Maryland Colonized. 5 1 

applause of his own conscience and the world 

He was the father of Virginia, and the true 

leader who first plscnted the English race in the 

United States.* Many times his courage and 

genius saved the colony from utter failure. He 

sent home the most glowing accounts of the 

country he had explored, and urged them to 

hasten over reinforcements ; for a feeble colony 

in a new country is like a new-born infant, and 

requires constant feeding. He held it up as 

! one would a feeble child until its limbs were 

strong enough to support it. His interest did 

not flag when he returned to England. He car- 

I ried back correct and valuable maps of Virginia 

\ and Maryland, made from his own observations, 

i and stimulated emigration to America more 

' than any other one man. He"Vvas as generous 

\ of soul as he was brave of spirit, and as hand- 

! some as he was brave. Here, I have a picture 

of him." 

The children crowded round to look at the 
brave adventurer. All begged for it, but it was 
finally awarded to Stevey. 

" Tell us more about him, aunty," exclaimed 
Harry ; " please, don't stop ; didn't he get well 
of his wounds and come back to America V 

Aunt Edith smiled and shook her head, say- 
ing, " We must hasten on, children. There are 



52 Tnie Stories of the American Fathers. 

other heroes waiting their turn, and I want to 
tell you something about the settlement of 
Maryland, 

"Sir George Calvert, Lord Baltimore, was 
an English nobleman of high rank. He had 
watched with the greatest interest the progress 
of the colonies in America, and had done much 
to promote their success. While he was a man 
of much learning and great wisdom as a states- 
man, he was also one of the purest spirits of his 
age. His life bloomed with beautiful deeds, 
which sprung from the stock of gentlest Chris- 
tian virtues. He was a devout Catholic, not 
by birth, but by conviction. England was now 
a Protestant country, and Protestantism also 
must own to its persecutions. Calvert was too 
candid to conceal his opinions ; he openly 
professed Catholicism, and resigned his high 
position at court with all its advantages. But 
he continued to be a great favorite with King 
Charles ; and as the controversies between Cath- 
olics and Protestants became more and more 
bitter, the gentle Calvert projected in his mind 
a quiet asylum in the forests of the New World, 
where the strife of religious disputes should , 
never be heard, and where Protestant and 
Catholic shoiild be alike protected in their right 
to worship God as they thought best. King 

'I 
1 1 

) 



Virginia and Maryland Colonized. 53 

James was now dead, and King Charles, his 
son, reigned in England." 

" I hope he was a better man than his father," 
exclaimed Nannie ; " I shall always think of 
King James as the man who took Sir Walter 
Raleigh's head off." 

Aunt Edith was very patient with the chil- 
dren's interruptions if they related to the story 
in any way. She added, " I will give you a 
rhyme in this connection ; you may repeat it 
after me. 

' Our acts our angels arc, or good or ill, 
Our fatal shadows that walk by us still.' 

" This King Charles was a weak, vain, foolish 
man, who excites our pity more perhaps than 
any other feeling. There had been English 
kings more wicked than he, but by his weak- 
ness and ignorance he brought great trouble 
upon England, and at the last they took off his 
head. He belonged to the unfortunate race of 
Stuarts, descendants of the ill-fated Mary, Queen 
of Scots, who herself died upon the scaffold. It 
was a weak race ; they were wanting in moral 
principle, and had no capacity to rule. Charles 
thought more of his own pleasure and comfort 
than any thing else, and cared little for what 
was taking place in the forests of America. 
Besides, Calvert was a favorite at court, and 



54 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

when he applied for a grant of territory in that 
far-off land he readily obtained it. The terri- 
tory was given to Lord Baltimore and his heirs 
forever; it was to be free from English taxa- 
tion, and the settlers were allowed to make their 
own laws. It was the most generous grant of 
liberties that had ever been obtained by emi- 
grants, for Sir George was a far-seeing man, 
and had observed how the laws and restrictions 
on other colonies had burdened them and hin- 
dered their success. When all was prepared, 
and the good Sir George was about to sail 
with his company, death came" and took him a 
longer journey, and, without doubt, to a better 
country ; but his son succeeded to all his father's 
claims in America, and most worthily he car- 
ried out his father's plans, at vast expense, from 
his own private purse. They sailed from En- 
gland in November, 1633, about two hundred 
Catholic gentlemen and their families and ser- 
vants, in two vessels, the 'Ark' and the 'Dove.' 
They ascended the Potomac in March, 1634, 
planted a cross, and claimed the country for 
Christ and England. The spot was nearly 
opposite Mount Vernon, where now lies the 
sacred dust of the ' Father of his Country.' 
They gave presents to the Indians and asked 
their friendship. The Indians made a treaty 



Virgmia and Maryland Colonized. 5 5 

of peace with the white men, and shared their 
provision with them. The squaws taught the 
wives of the English how to make bread of 
maize, and the Indian warriors joined the En- 
gUsh in the chase, and taught them how to en- 
trap the game of the forests. They also gave 
them their huts to shelter them until their 
houses were ready." 

"Why, how pleasant it must have been, 
aunty ! " cried little Stevey ; " so much better 
than to be cruel and make enemies of the poor 
Indians." 

"Yes, indeed, my darhng Stevey; if all the 
immigrants, from their first coming among the 
Indians, had been just and kind, it would have 
saved much of the blood that years after flowed 
in such profusion, and would have prevented 
the horrible cruelties that make us shudder to 
think of. The foundations of this colony were 
laid in peace, and truth, and happiness, and in 
six months it flourished more than Virginia had 
in six years. The colonists could buy grain 
and cattle from Virginia, and were in no fear 
of hunger. They were well governed, for they 
governed themselves. There was no interfer- 
ence from England, and Lord Calvert provided 
at his own expense whatever was needed for 
their comfort and prosperity. Under his mild 



56 True Stories of the Afnerican Fathers. 

and kind laws the wilderness soon bloomed j 
with life and industry. Catholics, oppressed j 
at home, found here a peaceful refuge, and 
Protestants, too, could worship as their con- 
science bid them. The governor was obliged j 
to take an oath that he * would not directly nor 
indirectly molest any person, professing to be- 
lieve in Jesus Christ, for or in respect of re- \ 
ligion.' 'The country,* says a historian, *was 
dear to its inhabitants ; there they desired to 
spend the remnant of their lives ; there they 
covenanted to make their graves.' " 

" That is a pleasant picture of forest life, 
aunty," said Albert. " I hope our fathers will 
have it more agreeable as we go on." 

" I will not anticipate," returned Aunt Edith, 
" only to say, that as their day was, so was their 
strength." 



Massachusetts Colonized — Pilgrims, 57 



CHAPTER IV. 

Massachusetts Colonized— Pilgrims— Sir Harry Vane. 

^ATTLEDOOR and shuttlecock, ball and 
grace hoops, were all away in their places, 
and the children in their seats, waiting 
'for Aunt Edith and the hero of the evening. 
Aunt Edith was punctual to the hour, saying, 
as she seated herself at the table, " I think 
I have thus far fulfilled my promise, children, 
to give you at least one new hero each evening, 
but to-night ' their name is legion.' " 

"O, aunty, I guess I know who they are!" 
exclaimed Nannie. 

''Who V asked Harry, looking blank. 

" I know, I know," repeated Nannie. 

No light beamed from either of the boys* 
faces, and Aunt Edith and Steve exchanged 
winks. 

"You've been peeping into Aunt Edith's 
portfolio to-day," said Harry; "that's the way 
you've got the start of us." 

" Not I, indeed,' replied Nannie. ** Aunty 
keeps her portfolio locked." 

" Well, if you have any wisdom that we 



58 T^'iie Stories of the American Fathej-s. 

haven't," said Albert, " please let us have it at 
once, and get on with the story." 

" You had better be sure you're right before 
you go ahead," suggested Harry. 

" Well, I am sure I am right. You are going 
to tell us about the Pilgrim Fathers, aunty." 

"O, bother! why didn't I think of them," 
said Harry, scratching his head. 

" ' Most potent, grave, and reverend seign- 
eurs,' " said Albert ; " I think I see them in my 
mind's eye with their steeple hats and broad 
ruffs." 

" Well, let 'em come in," said Harry. " How 
many are there .'* if there are not chairs enough," 
looking round the room, " I'll fetch some more." 

*' Before they come in," said Aunt Edith, " I 
would like to hear, Albert, what you remember 
of last evening's story." 

"The first permanent English settlement in 
this country, at Jamestown, Virginia, 1606, by 
John Smith." 

" Very well answered. What do you remem- 
ber, Harry.''" 

" The settlement of Maryland, by Sir George 
Calvert, in 1634." 

" Very well ; what does Albert mean by ' per- 
manent,' Stevey.?" said Aunt Edith, stroking 
back the curls from the little thoughtful face. 



Massachusetts Colonized — Pilgrims. 59 

" He means that — that — well, they stayed 
here and did not go back home, as the others 
had done." 

'' Yes, that's it, my little Steve. They took 
firm hold of the soil, and grew and flourished. 
We shall have to go back a little in point of time. 
Our Pilgrim Fathers anchored at Plymouth 
Rock, December, 1620 — fourteen years after 
the Jamestown settlement, and fourteen years 
before the settlement of Maryland. I placed 
the story of the Virginia and Maryland colonies 
together because they were such near neighbors, 
and their history has always been intimately 
associated. Before our Pilgrims land I want to 
tell you something about their history in their 
own country. Since the date of Columbus' dis- 
covery of this Western World, great changes 
had taken place in Europe both in religion and 
in government. The art of printing had made 
books more abundant, and people were better 
informed. They saw that the old systems of 
religion and government needed reformation. 
In England the authority of the Pope was set 
aside, and King Henry VHI. declared himself 
head of the English Church. But the good 
Martin Luther, in Germany, had overthrown 
the authority of the pope, and declared that 
God was the only true head of the Church, and 



6o True Stories of the Anicricaii Fathers. 

that all men had the right to worship him, with- 
out the intervention of pope, or priest, or king, 
or any other man. Luther had many followers 
in England, who, in matters of religion, did not 
want to obey the king any more than the pope. 
These were called Dissenters, and were Pres- 
byterians, Quakers, and Puritans. Our Pilgrim 
Fathers were Puritans ; they wanted 'a Church 
without a bishop, and a State without a king.' 
They wanted only a pure Gospel and the sim- 
plest form of worship. They did not wish to 
use the written service of the Church of En- 
gland, nor to listen to their printed prayers, nor 
submit to the authority of their haughty bishops. 
King James was very bitter against them. He 
said they should conform to the prayer-book, 
and all the rules of the Church, or he would 
'harry them out of the land.' He thought to 
conquer them and. break their spirit, but he 
could not. They refused to worship in the 
churches, or use their prayers. They met for 
worship in their own houses ; sometimes in the 
forests or in caves and dens. But they were 
hunted out. They were whipped and put in 
stocks ; they had their heads shaved, and their 
ears cut off, and some were brought to the stake 
and nobly suffered death rather than yield the 
truth that every man has a right to worship 



Massachusetts Colonized — Pilgrims. 6 1 

God according to his own conscience, and in the 
v/ay he thinks best. This treatment, instead of 
curing them of their folly, as the king and the 
bishops thought it would, or discouraging others 
from joining them, only made them more power- 
ful. At last the king made a decree that they 
should either come to his church, and pray as 
he prayed, or else they should be driven out of 
the kingdom. Would they yield t No. There 
is a rare element of courage in the English char- 
acter, which, when it is roused on the side of 
right, is sublime. They turned their backs on 
their homes and their worldly possessions, and 
taking their wives and little ones they became 
strangers and pilgrims in foreign lands. A 
large number, led by their pastor, the good and 
great John Robinson, passed over the sea to 
Holland. 

*' Here they had rest for their souls, but they 
were not happy. The country was strange ; 
the people and the language were not theirs. 
In England they had been farmers ; here they 
were obliged to learn new trades, or find some 
employment to make their bread. They were 
very poor and suffered much, yet they did not 
wish to return to England. But often they 
talked together of the goodly land across the 
sea, and their hearts longed for a quiet habita- 



62 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

tion in the wilderness, where they could sit un- 
molested under 'their own vine and fig-tree.* 
Notwithstanding the persecutions of the king 
their English hearts still clung to their own 
land, and if they planted a colony in America 
they felt they would be under the patronage of 
England. But would King James grant them 
a charter, securing to them the rights of English 
subjects, and yet leave them their religious priv- 
ileges .'* They sent over petitioners from Hol- 
land to ask this favor of the king, but the king 
was gruff. He referred them to the bishops ; 
they were not less so. Nothing more could be 
obtained than 'a promise of neglect.' They 
were thankful to get that, and the Pilgrims re- 
solved to go to America without a charter, or 
patent, or king's seal, 'for,' said they among 
themselves, * if there should be afterward a pur- 
pose to wrong us, though we had a seal as 
broad as the house-floor, there would be means 
found to recall or break it/ But they were 
very poor, and had no way of getting across the 
ocean to their new home. After casting the 
subject about in their minds, and praying much 
to God for direction, they entered into an agree- 
ment with some London merchants, who were 
to pay all their expenses across the ocean, and 
the Pilgrims were to give them an interest in 



Massachusetts" Colonized — Pilgrims. 63 

the profits of their crops, fisheries, and all 
their labors for the first seven years after they 
reached America. 

" So the youngest and strongest made ready 
to go over first, with their wives and little ones. 
Before their departure they appointed a day of 
solemn fast, for the Pilgrims began all their 
enterprises with prayer. The whole congrega- 
tion assembled, ' and,' says one of them, * we re- 
freshed ourselves with tears and the singing of 
psalms, making joyful melody in our hearts, 
and indeed it was the sweetest melody that 
ever mine ears heard. Afterward those that 
remained feasted us, and then accompanied us 
unto the ship, when a flood of tears was poured 
out, and we were not able to speak to one 
another, for the abundance of sorrow ; so lift- 
ing up our hands to each other and our hearts 
for each other unto the Lord, we departed.' 
Two vessels, the 'Speedwell' and the 'May- 
flower,' carried the little company, but, after 
some days out, the * Speedwell ' was obliged to 
put back as unseaworthy. The 'Mayflower' 
held on her course, freighted with her one hun- 
dred and two souls, and after a long and peril- 
ous voyage they found themselves, in the month 
of December, on the chill, barren coast of New 
England, for so they fondly called it, with the 



64 True Stories of the Aiiterican Fathers. 

ocean behind them, the wilderness before them, 
and no friendly voice to. bid them welcome. 
They beat about the coast some time to discover 
a favorable landing-place. Says one of them, 
' It snowed, and did blow all the day, and froze 
withal. The spray of the sea froze as it fell on 
LIS and made our garments like coats of iron.' 
At length they found safe harbor on the coast 
of Massachusetts, cast anchor fast by Plymouth 
Rock, and sang a hymn of thanksgiving.* The 
voyage had been much longer than they had 
expected ; their provisions were nearly exhaust- 
ed ; this, added to the severity of the season, 
brought suffering, wasting disease, and death 
to thin out their numbers. They made what 
haste they could to put up houses, but snow 
and rain and freezing cold interrupted their 
work, and many died from lung-fevers and rapid 
consumptions." 

" What a pity they came in the winter ! " said 
little Stevey. 

" O dear, yes ! and why did they go so far 
north in that bleak country," said Nannie. 
" They ought to have gone to Maryland." 

" Maryland wasn't settled yet," said Harry 
with a wise wink. 

" Well, they talked all that over, and prayed 
* See Frontispiece. 



Massachusetts Colonized — Pilgrims, 65 

over it too, children. They knew it would have 
been far easier and more comfortable for them 
to go to the Virginia settlements, but you must 
keep in viev/ the object of their coming. It was 
to enjoy their special form of religious worship. 
Now Virginia was settled under the king's 
charter, and the Church of England was to be 
the established Church in the colony. After 
the settlement of Maryland, the good Calvert 
sent them a cordial invitation to leave the 
rocky shores of New England, and cast in their 
lot with his colony in the mild and genial cli- 
mate of Maryland, where religious liberty Was 
granted to all. But the Pilgrims would not go. 
They preferred their rocky, ice-bound homes 
in the far north, if they might only keep their 
pure and simple forms of worship, and so have a 
conscience void of offense. They did not want 
people of any other faith to settle with them, 
lest disputes and dissensions should arise. In 
the midst of all their sufferings, and on their 
dying beds, their faith supported them, they 
rejoiced 'in hope of a better country, even a 
heavenly,' and died without a regret that they 
had left all to follow the light God had given 
them. Amid poverty and suffering, beyond any 
thing I can relate, they triumphed with a 'joy 
unspeakable ; ' feeling that though they were out- 



66 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

casts from their earthly homes, they were ' kings 
and priests ' to the living God, and exhorted 
those they left behind to hold fast their confi- 
dence and stand up valiantly for the truth. 

"Winter wore away. Spring came, and 
brought with it sweet south winds and the song 
of birds. The trees opened their thousand 
leaves of tender green, and the woods were full 
of the scent of wild flowers, vines, and pleasant 
fruits. Disease and death disappeared from 
among them, their houses were now up, and 
busy hands were planting and cultivating the 
earth. Their hearts were filled with hope, and 
their souls with peace. After the labors of the 
day they assembled to worship God, and their 
songs and hymns of praise made the forests 
echo. They thanked God for the goodly herit- 
age he had given them ; they loved their wild- 
wood homes, and hoped only to live and die 
here unmolested by kings or bishops. They 
called themselves loyal subjects of England, 
and many a prayer went up for ' dear England,' 
though they were still very glad to be three 
thousand miles away from her. They governed 
themselves. In all matters of law they came 
together in a body, for they were yet but few, 
and decided their own questions. Their minis- 
ters were their magistrates, and they called 



Massachusetts Colonized — Pilgrims. 6/ 

themselves a Church in the wilderness. They 
sent back words of cheer to their friends in 
England, who were still persecuted for con- 
science' sake, and advised them to follow them 
to the wilderness, for it was surely God's hand 
that had led them thither, and he would raise 
up a great nation to his honor and praise. The 
oppressed people heard and received it as a 
call from God, and they came. Ship after ship 
discharged on the shores of Massachusetts its 
precious freight of noble souls. Settlements 
sprang up as if by magic all through the wilder- 
ness. Far into the interior, and down the 
beautiful valley of the Connecticut River, the 
immigrants pushed their way, driving their 
flocks before them, their wives and little ones 
with them. The. Indians were very friendly to 
the early settlers, sold them lands, and made 
treaties of peace with them. They flourished 
and prospered. Comfortable dwelling-houses 
were built, then the churches, and soon the 
school-houses followed. In a few years thou- 
sands of English Dissenters had passed over 
the sea and made their homes in the Western 
World. Many of them were people of noble 
birth, great intelligence, and ample wealth. 

" With this tide of population that poured in- 
to the flourishing New England settlements, 



6S True Stories of the American Fathers. 

many came who were not of their faith. This 
was a grief to the early Puritans, because they 
had forsaken all to possess this little corner of 
the earth where they could be safe from dis- 
putes and controversies ; but they expected too 
much, for it is impossible for even good people 
to see eye to eye. The Puritans, we are sorry 
to record it, persecuted some who came among 
them ; then they banished them from the colony, 
and it would have been better if they had re- 
mained away or gone to some other part of 
America, seeing there was abundance of room 
for all, but they would not. They came back 
and troubled them so much that at last the 
sturdy old Puritan magistrates had several of 
them hung as examples, declaring, however, 
that *we desired their lives absent rather than 
their deaths present.' 

'* It is a grief to me to tell you this, children, 
but candor compels me. Perfection we cannot 
find in any thing human ; it belongs not to 
man nor to any of his works. Our virtues and 
our religion are all tainted with human infirm- 
ity. The enemies of the Puritans are fond of 
charging them with intolerance and persecu- 
tions, but it ought to be remembered that the 
spirit of persecution was the spirit of that age. 
We must judge the past by its own light, not 



Massachusetts Colo7iized — Pilgrims. 69 

by ours in this better day. All sects and civil 
authorities persecuted those who differed from 
them, and the Puritans did less of it than any 
other people, except the Quakers. Besides, 
many of the Puritans themselves had risen 
above these narrow views, and were true fol- 
lowers of the great and good John Robinson, 
who led them out of England into Holland, but 
was too old and feeble to come with them to 
America. When they embarked on the ' May- 
flower' he gave them a sublime charge: that 
they should not think they possessed the whole 
truth and had nothing more to learn. He told 
them the Lord had 'more truth yet to break 
forth out of his holy word,' and they must be 
willing to receive it with all humility. Among 
his followers were two young ministers of holy 
lives and * precious gifts,' Roger Williams and 
Hooker, who went through the colonies preach- 
ing these sublime and glorious doctrines and 
winning many to their views. They declared 
it a sin to persecute any man for any religious 
opinion, and that truth would always be strong 
enough to overcome error without the aid of 
physical force. 

" Puritanism may lift its head without fear, 
graced with such names as Roger Williams, 
Winthrop, Hooker, and a host of others more 



yo True Stories of the American Fathers. 

than I have time to mention, though I must tell 
you of one, as noble a hero as ever sealed his 
truth with his blood. I mean the good Sir 
Harry Vane. He had been at one time gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts, but returned to England 
to plead the cause of the Puritans who were 
still persecuted there, and not alone their cause, 
but that of all who were wronged for religious 
opinions, whether it were Catholic, Puritan, 
Presbyterian, or Quaker. He was a man of 
great gifts and eloquence, and had such weight 
with the people that his enemies at last resolved 
to take his life. As you study history you will 
find, children, that those who are in error, when 
they find themselves out-argued and about to 
lose their cause, always resort to brute force. 
If they cannot kill the truth, they will try to kill 
the man who utters it. King Charles was per- 
suaded that he ought to bring him to the block. 
But Sir Harry Vane went to the scaffold as 
calmly as he would have gone to his bed. The 
people followed him in throngs, weeping and 
blessing him who had been the friend of his 
race ; not of his party, nor his sect, nor his 
class only, but of all mankind. He would have 
spoken to the poor weeping people, but his 
enemies would not let him, for they were afraid 
of the great and precious truths that fell from 



Massachusetts Colonized — Pilgrims. 71 

his lips, so they drowned his voice with the 
sound of their trumpets. But they could not 
take the glory and beauty out of his counte- 
nance, and the people 'saw his face as it had 
been the face of an angel.' He kissed and em- 
braced his dear Httle children, and bade them 
not be troubled, for God would be a father to 
them. Thus he died with his soul full of peace, 
and in strong faith that though he died the 
truth would live. It does live ; the liberties we 
enjoy in our dear country this day are the fruits 
of that truth. So we will bless and honor our 
Pilgrim Fathers for all they suffered and wrought 
for us." 

As Aunt Edith stopped speaking, Harry 
brought his fist down upon the table with such 
a noise as made all the children jump, and ex- 
claimed, " Blast 'em, I hate kings !" 

Steve buried his face on Aunt Edith's shoul- 
der, and cried outright to think of the dear little 
children who had to lose so good a father. 
Aunt Edith comforted him, and bade him not 
to cry, saying, " It is all over now ; it was a 
quick, short way up to the heavenly Father's 
house, whither the noble army of martyrs are 
gathering out of all the ages. 

" Sir Harry Vane made a glorious end, and 
his life and his death equally blessed the world. 



72 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

Remember, dear children, that in the eternal 
councils there stands the sure word, continually 
being fulfilled, ' without the shedding of blood 
there is no remission of sin ; ' and as the ages 
come and go, God's holy martyrs attest it with 
their lives, and thus, in their human measure, 
fill up that which is behind of the sufferings of 
their divine Master. 

" Let us also seek after this same spirit, chil- 
dren, so shall we be ready, at God's command, 
to ' resist unto blood, striving against sin.' " 



Peimsylvmiia Coloftized — William Penn. 73 




CHAPTER V. • 

Pennsylvania Colonized — Williani Penn. 

PEN your maps, children, and trace our 
colonies as they creep along the coast 
of North America. We have Virginia 
and Maryland settled from the James River 
to the Chesapeake Bay. Our Pilgrim Fathers 
have dotted all the country from the Connecti- 
cut to the Penobscot rivers with happy, pros- 
perous settlements, and called it New England. 
''The Dutch had been the first to explore 
what we now know as New York. They had 
penetrated into the interior, and ascended the 
beautiful Hudson River as far as Albany. They 
also planted a colony on Manhattan Island, 
where the metropolis of the Western World 
now stands, our magnificent city of New York ; 
and they called the few Dutch hamlets that 
then composed the city. New Amsterdam. 

" The Dutch were a great commercial people 
at that time, and their vessels whitened every 
sea and ocean of the world. They foresaw what 
a great city would one day rise on this spot. 
The Dutch settlement grew very rapidly in 



74 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

wealth, and brought much profit to the com- 
pany of merchants who lived in Holland and 
controlled its affairs. Their great object was 
to make money, and in this they succeeded ; 
but when a war broke out between England 
and Holland, England sent a fleet to New 
Amsterdam, and took possession of the city 
and all the territory which they had settled. 
She added it to her other American colonies, 
and the name of the city was changed from 
New Amsterdam to New York, in compliment 
to the king's brother, the Duke of York. A little 
further down the coast the lands were settled 
by a colony of Swedish Protestants, under the 
protection of the great and good king Gustavus 
Adolphus. Harry, you look surprised to hear 
me call a king great and good. There have 
been many such. When you come to know 
them and their good works you will perhaps 
think better of kings. This good king, when 
the German Protestants were threatened with 
being overwhelmed by the Catholics, and the 
principles of religious liberty were in danger 
of being destroyed by fire and sword, left his 
throne and his kingdom and led a noble army to 
the defense of the right cause. In a great and 
decisive battle he fell, bravely fighting, but his 
army won the victory, and truth triumphed. 



Pemtsylvania Colonized — William Penn. 75 

After his death the Swedish colonies in America 
languished, for they missed his care and wis- 
dom ; and in course of time they mingled with 
the English colonists around' them, and became 
one with them." 

"Is Gustavus our hero this evening?" asked 
Albert. 

" No, Albert, although he was a true hero ; 
but I want to tell you about the Quaker settle- 
ments on the left bank of the Delaware, and the 
founding of the colony of Pennsylvania and the 
city of Philadelphia by William Penn." 

" What ! a Quaker hero .''" asked Nannie, de- 
spairingly. 

" Yes, verily, Nannie, a Quaker hero," an- 
swered Aunt Edith, holding up a picture of the 
young reformer, in the dress of an English 
cavalier, with flowing curls over his shoulders, 
and a face of womanly tenderness and beauty, 

" O, is that William Penn } " asked Nannie, 
brightening up. " I thought he would have 
his hair smoothed off behind his ears, under a 
broad-brimmed hat, with a long yellow coat like 
Uncle Jesse's." 

" I should take him for a poet, aunty," said 
Albert. 

" So he was, Albert, of the highest order — • 
his life was a poem ; good deeds are better than 



J 6 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

good words. The founder of Quakerism was 
George Fox, son of a poor English weaver, but 
so good a man that he was called * righteous 
Christopher !' His mother was descended from 
the stock of martyrs. Little George was first 
apprenticed to a shoemaker, and afterward to a 
farmer, and he watched the sheep like King 
David of old. He liked keeping the sheep ; it 
gave him time to dream — I mean with his eyes 
open — and think and pray, for he was a praying 
boy. But the more he wept and prayed and 
struggled, the more miserable and bewildered 
he was. He could not understand those strange, 
mysterious things, life and death, God and his 
own soul, nor be satisfied exactly as to what his 
duty was. His parents belonged to the English 
Church, but he found no rest there ; he went 
among the Dissenters — the Puritans and Pres- 
byterians — but all to no purpose. They could 
not show him ' the path of life.' 

"Whole days and nights he spent in agony 
of prayer, until one day, sitting in deep thought 
by the winter's fire, he heard a voice in his own 
soul. It was not audible to the outward ear ; 
it was *a still, small voice' that only the spirit's 
ear could hear. This voice told him that God 
was not in any Church, or council, or creed, or 
with any priest or bishop, or in any temple 



Pennsylvania Colonized — William Penn. J J 

made with human hands ; but he was in every 
human soul, and if they would but listen none 
need go astray, for God would teach them by 
his Spirit what they must do to be saved. He 
called it the * inner light,' which was, verily, 
* God in the soul.' It was also in every man's 
soul, for God was no respecter of persons ; so, 
of course, all men of every race and name were 
equal before him. One was not above another, 
except as there was more faithfulness in walk- 
ing by the * inner light.' Now, this was thought 
by many to be a very wicked and shameful 
doctrine. Where were the kings, with their 
crowns and royal robes } Where were the 
nobles and mighty men } Where were the 
priests and bishops of the true Church t Were 
they indeed no better than this poor man, the 
weaver's son, wasted and worn by his prayers 
and watchings, and meanly dressed in leathern 
breeches t And the poor rabble that followed 
him were only cowherds, shoemakers, and the 
like. *No, verily,' answered Fox, 'no better.' 
So he would call no man king or lord, save only 
him who was * King of kings and Lord of lords.' 
The followers of Fox said naught to any man 
but 'thee and thou,' and refused to lift their 
hats to any, for they said, ' the Lord forbade it.' 
Now, lest you might think that this was a 



yS TriLC Stories of the American Fathers. 

foolish thing for the Quakers to refuse to do, 
I must explain that it meant more than you 
might suppose. It was the custom of that day 
for the highest nobility to keep their hats on in 
the presence of the king, to denote that they 
were his equals. Those of lower rank were not 
permitted to come into the king's presence with 
their heads covered. To uncover the head al- 
ways signified inferiority. The Quaker creed 
declared all men equal, therefore they would 
not uncover their heads to any man, though 
they would love and serve all men as brothers 
and equals. As you may suppose, such a doc- 
trine made the great men and the worldly 
wise men exceedingly mad. They beat honest 
George Fox and put him into prison, but he 
employed the time in praying and communing 
with God, and after awhile when they released 
him he preached only the more powerfully. 
The people thronged in crowds to hear him, 
and his prayers were so filled with life and 
spirit that it seemed as if the very heavens 
opened to his call. Of course, he made a great 
many believe as he did, and among those who 
were converted to the new doctrines was our 
hero, William Penn. 

" Penn was of noble birth, the son of a brave 
officer in the English navy, who had a great 



Pemisylvania Colonized — Willimn Pcnn. 79 

name at court for his gallant services to his 
country. William was his only son, and while 
he was yet at college, only seventeen years old, 
he heard one of these wandering Quaker preach- 
ers. His heart was stirred within him. He 
could never pray * by the book ' afterward. This 
was the rule at the college, so they fined him, 
and as he still refused, saying that God had 
taught him ^a more excellent way,' they ex- 
pelled him. This was a heavy trial to the young 
ambitious student. But his trials were worse 
when he reached home, for his father was so 
enraged to think that his only son, the son of a 
noble house, would disgrace himself by going 
with such low people as the Quakers, that he 
whipped him and turned him from his door, 
thinking by this prompt treatment to bring him 
to his senses. His mother interceded for him, 
and his father gave him money, and sent him 
to travel in Europe, to divert his mind from his 
foolishness. Penn was a serious, observing trav- 
eler. While in France he studied the history 
of the people called Huguenots — I shall tell 
you more about them another time — and hav- 
ing gathered much wisdom by his travels, he 
returned to England. He is described, at this 
time; as most engaging and pleasing in manner 
and appearance, skillful in speech and debate, 



8o True Stories of the American Fathers. 

every way calculated to adorn the court of the 
king, and with every prospect of advancement, 
because of the high favor in which his father 
was held. But, alas! for this father's ambi- 
tious plans for his gifted son. Penn found his 
heart still drawn to that simple people called 
Quakers, and, while listening to one of them 
explaining ' the faith that overcometh the world' 
he embraced the doctrine, received the faith in 
his own heart, and, like Moses of old, refused 
the treasures of the king's court, choosing 
rather to suffer affliction with God's people. 
Thus beautifully he tells us of it : * Into that 
path God in his everlasting kindness guided 
my feet in the flower of my youth, when about 
two and twenty years of age.' 

"He was mocked and scorned by his family 
and friends, and it was told as a good joke 
that William Penn had turned Quaker, and his 
father had driven him without a penny from his 
door. You see, children, what Penn's principles 
cost him. His was no easy virtue. He could 
not possibly have borne all this except by that 
faith that overcomes the world and all that it 
contains. He was very brave. He went at 
once to court with his hat on to plead with the 
king and his ministers to allow the English 
people freedom of conscience, so that they might 



Pennsylvania Colonized — William Penn. 8 1 

worship God as they saw best, and prayed him 
to let the Quakers out of the stocks and prisons 
where hundreds of them were now confined. 
They laughed at him, and handed him over to 
my Lord Bishop of London, and he sent him 
to the Tower, a prison where they put criminals 
of high rank. King Charles, however, did not 
like Penn to be shut up in the Tower, because 
of his brave father who had done such service 
to his country, and he sent another bishop to 
persuade Penn to give up his strange doctrines, 
and come out and behave like other young En- 
glish noblemen. Penn sent word back to the 
king that the Tower was the worst argument 
in the world, and he continued from his prison 
to proclaim his principles, and send out light 
and truth from its dark recesses. After weary 
months the king granted his release. 

"Just at this time his father died, and left 
him all his estate. He was of a brave, gener- 
ous nature, regretted his treatment of his only 
son, and died in peace with him. Penn made 
good use of his fortune. He fed many poor 
children whose parents were in the prisons and 
dungeons all over England for being true to 
their own consciences. He devoted all his 
time, talents, and influence to obtain from par- 
liament some laws to protect the English people 



82 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

in the enjoyment of their rehgious hberty ; but 
it was in vain. Despairing of any better fate 
for his poor persecuted brethren in the land of 
their birth, he cast his eyes over the waters and 
longed to build a quiet habitation for them in 
the wilderness. The good tidings of the pros- 
perity and happiness of the Pilgrim settlements 
in their forest homes had traveled back to 
England, and Penn resolved now to lead his 
people thither. You know I told you that 
Penn's father had been a great favorite at court 
with the king and the royal family. He was 
one of the bravest officers in the British navy, 
and for his services to his country during the 
Dutch war he received a claim upon his gov- 
ernment of sixteen thousand pounds. How 
much is that in our currency, Albert t " 
" About eighty thousand dollars, aunty." 
"Well, this King Charles was one of the 
greatest spendthrifts that ever lived, and of 
course was always in debt. Penn offered to take 
the amount of this claim in lands in America. 
He had much opposition from many lords and 
bishops, who could not endure to think of a 
Quaker colony being left in peace even three 
thousand miles away from them. Yet Penn 
had a great many influential friends at court, 
and finally the king, rather than pay the money, 



Pennsylvania Colonized — William Penn. 83 

granted him a large tract of land on the west- 
ern bank of the Delaware River, and named it 
Pennsylvania, or Penn's Woods. There were 
already some Dutch and Swedes living within 
the limits of this territory, and Penn immediate- 
ly sent an agent over to tell them that he was 
coming out to live among them, to protect them 
and to do them good. He also wrote a letter 
to the sons of the forest, the Indians, telling 
them that they and he had the same Father, 
even the great God who made heaven and 
earth and all that it contains ; that therefore 
they and he were brothers, and ought to love 
one another, and live in peace and good-will. 
I His will was to be law throughout the colony, 
and he could have done much wrong to the 
people, and made himself rich by oppressing 
them, if he had been a selfish man ; but fortu- 
nately he had but one wish, and that was that 
these people should be virtuous and happy. 
Then Penn made all his arrangements to lead 
out his colony to their new home. He left his 
beautiful and loving wife with his sweet chil- 
dren in England, that the children might be 
educated, admonishing her to 'live sparingly 
till my debts be paid ; ' for he had spent so 
much money helping the poor people that his 

own family were poor, and were obliged to live 
6 



84 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

very frugally. All being ready, the Quaker 
colony embarked for America, and on the 27th 
of October, 1682, William Penn landed at New- 
castle, Delaware. 

" The people crowded to the landing to wel- 
come the * Quaker king,' for thus he was called, 
and indeed his power was absolute over the 
territory he now owned. He spoke kindly to 
them, exhorted them to industry and sobriety, 
and promised them his friendly offices to do 
them all the good in his power. With a few 
friends he left Newcastle in an open boat, and 
journeyed up the Delaware, in the soft, mellow 
November days, to the beautiful banks fringed 
with trees, on which the city of Philadelphia 
was soon to be laid out. Here he met the 
chiefs of the various Indian tribes. They as- 
sembled beneath a great elm-tree, and Penn 
told them that the English and the Indians 
were to obey the same laws, both were to be 
equally protected in their pursuits and posses- 
sions, and if any difficulty arose it should be 
settled by an equal number of English and 
Indians. 'We meet/ said he, 'on the broad 
pathway of good faith and good will. No ad- 
vantage shall be taken on either side, but all 
shall be openness and love. I will not call you 
childten, for parents sometimes chide their 



Pennsylvania Coloiiized — William Penn. 85 

children too severely. Nor brothers only; for 
brothers differ. The friendship between me 
and you I will not compare to a chain, for that 
the rains might rust or the falling tree might 
break. We are the same as if one man's body 
were to be divided into two parts ; we are all 
one flesh and blood.' This treaty of peace and 
friendship was made under the open sky, by the 
side of the Delaware, with the sun and the river 
and the forest for witnesses. Penn came with- 
out arms ; he declared his purpose to abstain 
from violence. He had no message but peace ; 
and not a drop of Quaker blood was ever shed 
' by an Indian. Here, on a neck of land between 
the Schuylkill and the Delaware, William Penn 
laid, at Philadelphia, the city of refuge, the 
mansion of freedom, the home of humanity. In 
after years 'Pennsylvania bound the northern 
and southern colonies in bonds stronger than 
chains ; Philadelphia was the birthplace of 
American Independence, and the pledge of 
Union.' 

" For several years Penn remained with his 
colony, directing and ruling for its best inter- 
ests, and his heart was gladdened with the sight 
of its prosperity and Jiappiness. But he longed 
to sit once more at his own fireside, and look 
upon the dear home faces he had left. Besides, 



86 True Stories of the Arnerican Fathers, 

his colony was so well established, and gov- 
erned by laws so mild and good, that the people 
had nothing to do but to be industrious, virtu- 
ous, and happy. Penn thought of the hundreds 
of English Quakers that still languished in 
dungeons and prisons. He felt that he must 
go back to England and do something for them. 
So he did ; he labored day and night, and was 
instrumental in obtaining the release of not less 
than twelve hundred Friends. But he pleaded 
not only for the Quakers, for his sympathies 
were large enough to take in all mankind ; and 
he, like Sir Harry Vane, claimed liberty of con- 
science for all men. He continued to watch 
over his American colony, sending out emi- 
grants, and advancing its interests in every 
way. In extreme old age he writes to them as 
a father to his children, ' If the people want of 
me any thing that would make them happier, I 
should readily grant it.' He left the people of 
Pennsylvania free to alter their laws as they 
should think best, but the form of government 
devised by Penn's love and wisdom was so near- 
ly perfect, that to this day its fundamental prin- 
ciples remain. These are some of the words 
of his farewell to his people : ' My love and my 
life are to you and with you, and no water can 
quench it nor distance bring it to an end. I 



Pennsylvania Colonized — William Penn. Sy 

have been with you, cared over you, and served 
you with unfeigned love ; and you are beloved 
of me and dear to me beyond utterance. You 
are come to a quiet land ; liberty and authority 
are in your hands. Rule for Him under whom 
the princes of this world will one day esteem it 
an honor to govern in their places. And thou, 
Philadelphia, the virgin settlement of this prov- 
ince, my soul prays to God for thee, that thou 
mayest stand in the day of trial, and that thy 
children may be blessed. Dear friends, my 
love salutes you all' 

" Now, Nannie, are you satisfied with your 
Quaker hero ?" said Aunt Edith, turning to the 
little girl beside her. But as Aunt Edith glanced 
from one to another of the little group of attent- 
ive listeners, she saw by the light that beamed 
from their bright eyes that it was unnecessary 
to take a vote on this subject. 




88 True Stories of the American Fathers. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Thie Carolinas and Georgia — Jxxdith Menigault. 

lO-NIGHT, children, we must turn our 
thoughts southward, where the orange 
and the olive grow ; where the scent of 
wild roses and magnolias perfume the air all 
the days of the livelong year ; to the beautiful 
Carolinas, where Gilbert and Raleigh planted 
the first English colonies ; and where, a hun- 
dred years before, the proud Spaniard roamed, 
seeking for Indian empire, and treasures of 
gold and silver. Do you remember his name, 
Harry.?" 

" O yes, aunty ; how could I forget De Soto 
and his gay Spaniards, in their silks and glitter- 
ing armor.-*" 

"And their terrible disappointment," contin- 
ued Nannie. 

"And his death, and burial in the Missis- 
sippi," added Albert. 

"What do you remember, Stevey.-*" asked 
Aunt Edith. 

" Why, they were cruel, and chased the poor 
Indians with dogs, and cut off their fingers and 



The Carolinas and Georgia. 89 

hands, and put chains on them, and made slaves 
of them." 

" Yes, so they did, Stevey ; they were a dark, 
ignorant race, not well instructed. It was a 
merciful Providence that did not allow them to 
settle and own these beautiful lands, which God 
kept for a different race, as I will show you. 
But, first, I want to tell you something about 
King Charles the Second, who was now on the 
throne of England. Those who have studied 
his history describe him as the weakest of men, 
though not naturally cruel. He was exceed- 
ingly ignorant ; I doubt if he could read as well 
as you cauj Stevey. When he met his minis- 
ters in council over the most important matters, 
he brought his dog along to amuse him. He 
took little interest in any thing that was said, 
and if he spoke his speech was ' silly, idle, and 
frothy.' He wasted his time with the ladies 
and actresses of his* court, listening to their 
senseless talk and love songs. One of the most 
celebrated actresses of the court, and a great 
favorite with the king, was named Nelly Gwynn. 
She amused the king very much by taking off 
the Quakers. When drunk, which he was more 
or less every day, he was jolly and good-naturedj 
and very generous. He would give away his 
own property or his neighbors* in kingly style. 



90 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

"The courtiers and nobles did pretty much 
as they pleased with him, and each one looked 
after his own interest. A ridiculous picture of 
the king was made, in which he was repre- 
sented with a woman on each arm, and his 
courtiers following and slyly picking his pocket. 
At one time, in a drunken fit of generosity, he 
gave away the whole of Virginia to one of his 
favorites, without regard to the charter granted 
by his grandfather to John Smith's company. 
That is to say, he might have Virginia if he 
could get it. Seeing that the king was gener- 
ous, some of the nobility cast their longing eyes 
over upon the beautiful Carolina lands, and 
greatly desired to own them. The vine, the 
olive, the mulberry, and the silk-worm would 
flourish in that latitude, and would bring them 
golden harvests. There were eight of these 
covetous noblemen, and taking the king one 
day in pleasant mood he granted to them a 
charter for all the territory extending seven de- 
grees north and south, and forty degrees east 
and west. That is, from the Atlantic to the 
Pacific Ocean, comprising what is now North 
and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Missis- 
sippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, 
and Texas, and also part of Mexico and Florida, 
which the Spaniards were under the impression 



The Carolinas and Georgia. 91 

belonged to them by the right of discovery and 
settlement." 

" Well done ! " exclaimed Albert ; " that was 
a fine plantation ; he must have been joking, 
aunty." 

" Life was all a joke to King Charles, but, be 
that as it may, this noble company of English 
gentlemen were much pleased with the gift, and 
made great preparations for settling and gov- 
erning their magnificent realm across the ocean, 
and employed the wisest and greatest minds of 
England to draw up a constitution. * Man pro- 
poses and God disposes,' as we have seen before 
in looking at the early history of our country. 
This glorious land was not intended to be 
owned and governed by * nobles after the flesh,' 
but as a refuge and a consolation for the perse- 
cuted and oppressed out of all lands : those 
who loved the truth more than their own lives ; 
nature's noblemen, the honest sons of toil, and 
the builders of their own fortunes. The consti- 
tution was very much admired in England ; in- 
deed, it was pronounced * without compare' for 
deep wisdom, and was intended to last forever. 
It was on this wise : the eight noblemen were 
to be absolute sovereigns over the whole terri- 
tory, and it was to descend to their heirs through 
all time. The land was to be divided into 



92 True Stories of the American Fatlm^s. 

counties of vast extent. There was to be an 
earl and two barons to each county, who were 
to do the governing. The settlers, who rented, 
but did not own, the lands, were to be called 
Meet men,' and they and their children were to 
be ' leet men ' forever. Of course they wanted 
as many settlers as possible to come over, and 
rent and cultivate the land ; so the constitution 
promised not to interfere with any on account 
of religion. But there was some little difficulty 
in getting this constitution to fit the new order 
of things in the wild woods of the Carolinas. 
Already there was a settlement of New En- 
gland Puritans on the coast of North Carolina. 
They had been attracted thither by the beauty 
of the climate, and had purchased a title to 
their lands from the native Indians, and paid 
for them honestly. Many had also come into 
Carolina from the Virginia settlements. They 
were living here and there in little groups of 
humble but comfortable cabins, cultivating the 
soil, and enjoying life in great peace and com- 
fort. Though they were an honest, simple 
people, yet they were brave and high spirited ; 
though they did not wish to be nobles and titled 
gentry, neither did they wish to descend to be 
*leet men' forever." 

**Just imagine," said Albert, "Earl Tobacco- 



The Carolinas and Georgia. 93 

planter, Baron Cowherd, Lady Dairymaid, and 
Count Fisherman." 

"Exactly so. For their government they 
had a few simple laws, which were administered 
by a council, who were elected by the people 
themselves, and these were found quite suffi- 
cient for their wants. So when the agent of 
the eight sovereigns arrived in the colony, and 
called the people together to explain the new 
state of things, and this great and beneficent 
constitution that had been prepared for them, 
these honest people looked one at another, and 
said to the agent in effect, * Take it away ; we 
don't want it ; it doesn't suit us.* They contin- 
ued to resist all attempts at interference with 
their simple forms of self-government, and the 
whole scheme fell through because it was against 
nature and human rights, both of which flour- 
ished and had full liberty to grow in this new 
country. So the people continued in quietness 
and peace to build houses, plant tobacco, raise 
corn and cattle, and catch fish. They were also 
careful that none should be persecuted for their 
religious opinions. 

" The settlements pushed further and further 
south into South Carolina and Georgia, for it 
was a land of promise. A colony of Irish and 
Scotch Presbyterians, and a large company of 



94 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

Huguenots, made their homes here. These 
were French Protestants who had suffered the 
most miserable cruelties from the Catholics. 
Thousands of them were put to death by the 
sword. Thousands more emigrated to Holland 
and England. They were a sober, industrious 
class of people, skillful in fine manufactures of 
various kinds, and at last the stupid and wicked 
French government began to understand that 
they were doing a very unwise thing to drive 
out of the country so industrious and thriving 
a people, who were gladly welcomed in other 
countries because of the skill and knowledge in 
their various trades which they introduced with 
them. The French authorities therefore made 
laws against emigration ; they forbade their 
people to fly, and yet continued to persecute 
them with the greatest fury. They tortured 
them in different ways. Their ministers were 
broken on the wheel ; their little children were 
torn from them in order that they might be 
educated to be Catholics. O the sufferings, the 
tears and groans of these poor people ! Is it 
wonderful that they, too, longed for a quiet hab- 
itation in the wilderness, and that, notwithstand- 
ing the law against emigration, they stole out 
of the country by thousands, taking their little 
children with them } Some came to the New 



TJie Carolinas and Georgia. 95 

England colonies, where they arrived destitute 
of every thing. But our Puritan fathers gave 
them a warm welcome. Collections were made 
in the different towns to supply their wants, 
and lands were given them. Some took refuge 
with the Quakers, and they were received as 
brothers in adversity. But the warm climate 
of the Carolinas attracted the largest number, 
for, you know, they came from the warm, sunny 
climate of France. Listen to the story of a 
noble Huguenot woman. *We quitted our home 
by night, leaving all our worldly goods,' said 
Judith, the young wife of Pierre Manigault. 
*We hid ourselves for ten days while search 
was made for us. We stole round through 
Germany and Holland over to England in the 
depths of winter. Having embarked at London, 
the spotted fever appeared on board the vessel. 
Many died, among them our aged mother. We 
touched at Bermuda, where our vessel was 
seized. Our money was all spent ; with diffi- 
culty we procured a passage on another vessel. 
After our arrival in Carolina we suffered every 
kind of evil. Our eldest brother died of hard 
labor, to which he was unaccustomed. Since 
leaving France we have experienced every kind 
of affliction — disease, pestilence, famine, pov- 
erty, and hard labor. I have worked the ground 



g6 Tnie Stones of the American Fathers. 

a slave, and often had not bread when I wanted 
it. Yet/ adds this excellent woman, in a spirit 
of grateful resignation, ' God has done great 
things for us in enabling us to bear up under 
so many trials.' You may take her for your 
heroine this evening, children. 'Judith Mani- 
gault, the Huguenot refugee/ 

"Thus the Huguenots settled on the lands 
near Charleston, and on the banks of the Santee 
River. Here they built their neat cottages and 
found rest. The melody of their psalms and 
hymns filled the scented groves, and rose as 
sweet incense to the King of kings. Thus were 
the Carolinas settled, and that territory which 
was afterward separated and called Georgia. 
In both Carolinas, in the year 1688, the popula- 
tion amounted to about eight thousand." 



Enemies Across the Sea — Union. 97 



CHAPTER VII. 

Enemies Aeroes the Sea— Fii'st Dream of "Union." 

"JvT^ET us pause long enough, children, to 

■^4 take a backward glance over the path 

we have traveled. Let us keep our 

facts well strung together, as you do your 

beads. Nannie. What date did I give you last 

night for the settlement of the Carolinas } " 

Nannie replied, " 1688." 

"How long was that after the discovery by 
Columbus, Albert.?" 

" One hundred and ninety-six years, aunty." 

"Yes, nearly two centuries. In the first 
hundred years what was accomplished ? " 

"The country was examined and explored by 
the Spanish, French, and English," continued 
Albert, "and description and accurate maps 
made of it." 

" Very well answered. It was proved beyond 
a doubt to be the * goodliest land ' the sun shone 
on for the richness of its soil, its noble rivers, 
safe and commodious harbors, and beautiful 
climate. And what was done during the next 
century, Harry ? " 



qS True Siorics of the American Fathers. 

" It was settled along the eastern coast, prin- 
cipally by the English." 

** Nannie, give me the name and date of the 
settlements in their order." 

*' Shall I mention Sir Walter Raleigh's colony 
in North Carolina in 1590?" 

" No ; that perished. You may commence 
with the first successful settlement." 

"Well, aunty, that was at Jamestown, in Vir 
ginia, in 1606, by John Smith's company." 

" Yes, they were sent out at the expense of a 
company of London merchants, who expected 
and realized large revenues from trading with 
the colonists." 

" The second settlement was Maryland." 

" No," interrupted Harry ; " the Pilgrim Fa- 
thers came next." 

"O yes, so they did, in 1620, and settled on 
the eastern coast of Massachusetts." 

"■ Quite right ; they came at their own ex- 
pense, that is, they borrowed the money from 
some London merchants, and paid it afterward 
from the fruits of their labors. They fled from 
persecution to a land where they might worship 
God according to their own consciences. The 
next colony, Nannie.'*" 

"Was Maryland, settled by the Catholics 
under the good Sir George Calvert." 



Enemies Across the Sea — Union. cf) 

*' Yes, this was the only CathoHc colony, and 
they came also to escape persecution. Next ? " 

Nannie looked puzzled and Albert came to 
her assistance : 

" The Dutch colonies came next in order." 

"Yes, the Dutch in New York, and the 
Swedes in New Jersey and Delaware. These 
colonies were planted between 1630 and 1650. 
What became of them, Albert } " 

"During the war between the Dutch and 
English, England sent a fleet here, took posses- 
sion of the Dutch colonies, and added them to 
hers." 

" What became of the Swedish colonies } " 

"After the death of the good king Gustavus 
Adolphus they languished, and gradually min- 
gled with the English colonies around them." 

"Correctly answered. I am pleased you re- 
member so well, Albert. Which colony dates 
next, Nannie .'' " 

"The Quaker settlement, on the Delaware, 
by the good William Penn, in 1682." 

" Which next, Harry .? " 

"The Carolinas." 

"Yes, and Georgia, between the years 1660 
and 1685 ; settled by Protestant refugees from 
Ireland, Scotland, and England, and by French 
Huguenots. Well now, we have the whole east- 



100 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

ern coast of North America settled from Maine 
to Georgia, comprising the original thirteen En- 
glish colonies. The whole population amounted 
to about two hundred thousand, of which num- 
ber nearly one half peopled the New England 
colonies. Observe, children, how all the Euro- 
pean nations contributed to lay the foundations 
of this great American nation. Italy gave the 
discoverers — Columbus and the Cabots — though 
it was the enterprise and liberality of a Spanish 
queen that furnished the first vessels which 
reached these shores. Then Spanish, French, 
and English explorers and adventurers eagerly 
searched out the land and brought back their 
goodly reports of it. It was meet and right 
that it should be the refuge of humanity. En- 
gland, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Germany, 
and France furnished its early Settlers. There 
should be no American nationality save what is 
to be found in the principles of our civil and 
religious liberty — that Christian idea of liberty, 
equality, and brotherhood which we learn from 
the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ. Our fathers were Protestants except 
in Maryland ; but even here, all sects being tol- 
erated, the Protestants emigrated faster than 
the Catholics and soon outnumbered them. 
They were the children of sorrow, suffering, 



Enemies Across the Sea — Union. loi 

and poverty ; they had escaped to a goodly 
land, a land of plenty, where there was enough 
for every man who was willing to toil, without 
wronging his brother. All things considered, 
they were the happiest and most virtuous people 
the sun shone upon. Hear the testimony of an 
English traveler of high rank, who made the 
tour of the colonies to observe their manners 
and customs : * I have observed here,' said he, 
*less swearing and profaneness, less drunken- 
ness and debauchery, less uncharitable feuds 
and animosities, and less knaveries and villanies, 
than in any part of the world where my lot has 
i been.* Yet they were not without their troubles. 
I The colonies had frequent disputes about their 
( boundaries, and between Virginia and Mary- 
,| land it went so far as the shedding of blood. 
\ Then, too, the Indians, who had been friendly 
j to the early settlers, began now to be alarmed 
at the vast numbers of whites that were flock- 
ing to the country, and they feared they would 
I be driven entirely from their homes and lands. 
I The Dutch had taught them to drink whisky. 
They had been sometimes * cruelly treated by 
I bad men, for there are bad men in every com- 
munity. Now, revenge is the highest virtue 
the Indian knows, and when they turned upon 
their enemies they remembered no mercy in 



102 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

their wrath. The Dutch were often at war with 
the Indians. This involved the New England 
colonies also, and they suffered severely in this 
respect. 

" Still another trouble was, that the colo- 
nists were conscious they had many enemies at 
home, who viewed their growth and prosperity 
with an envious eye. These enemies hated the 
doctrines and opinions of those who had escaped 
from their persecutions beyond the seas, and re- 
fused to have kings or nobles to rule over them, 
and believed in the right and capacity of men to 
govern themselves. This party in England said 
continually among themselves, these * rogues 
and rascals' — for so they were pleased to call 
them — 'will increase in numbers, wealth, and 
power, and after awhile they will break away en- 
tirely from their allegiance to England and de- 
clare their independence.' They talked thus to 
King Charles and advised him to take away their 
charters. But King Charles loved his own ease, 
and continued to amuse himself with his dogs 
and his actresses, and it really was a good thing 
for the colonies tHat so weak and indolent a 
king sat on the throne of England, for it gave 
them opportunity to grow and become strong 
and rich, so that when the time came to resist 
English tyranny they were able to do it. But 



Enemies Across the Sea — Ufiion. 103 

at last King Charles died, and died as he had 
lived. The cares of his kingdom never seemed 
to enter his mind, and his last words were 
a charge that they should take good care of 
Nelly Gwynn. His brother James ascended 
the throne, because Charles had no son to take 
his place. James pretended to be a Protestant, 
because otherwise he could not have been king, 
but really at heart he was a Catholic. He 
looked with an evil eye at these American col- 
onies, for he considered them a hot-bed of Prot- 
estantism and rebellion against royalty. King 
James was right. The Catholic Church and 
the Church of England were arrayed on the 
side of kings and a privileged few ; but Ameri- 
can Protestantism is favorable to the people of 
all classes, conditions, and races King James 
determined to oppress them ; so he sent over 
one Andross to unite all the New England 
colonies into one, and he was to rule as royal 
governor, appointed by the king. The New 
England colonies were more disliked in England 
than the others ; they were more feared for 
their large population as well as for their wealth 
and intelligence. There was a mighty throb- 
bing of the New England heart when this news 
was received. A day of fasting and prayer 
was appointed, and their ministers exhorted the 



104 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

people from their pulpits to stand up in defense 
of their political rights, and not yield the liber- 
ties that had been purchased by so much toil 
and suffering. They sent respectful petitions 
to the king not to interfere with them in their 
civil and religious rights. They reminded him 
that they had made their own homes in the 
wilderness without any expense to the govern- 
ment of England ; that it was a natural right 
for any man to expatriate himself — that is, to 
go out from the land of his birth — and if he left 
her protection he no longer owed obedience to 
her laws. They appealed to the king s better 
feelings in these words : * We could not live 
without the public worship of God. That we 
might enjoy this without human mixtures, we, 
not without tears, departed from our country, 
kindred, and fathers' houses. Our garments 
are become old by reason of the long journey ; 
ourselves, who came away in our strength, are, 
many of us, become old and gray-headed, and 
some of us stooping for age. God knows our 
greatest ambition is to live a quiet life in a cor- 
ner of the world.' 

" All this talk of natural right and justice was 
an unknown tongue to King James ; the idea 
was too large to get into his small brain ; and 
in due time the royal governor made his appear- 



Enemies Across the Sea — Union. 105 

ance in scarlet and lace. He began to tax and 
plunder the people, and fill his own pockets 
without scruple. Moreover he ordered the serv- 
ice of the English Church to be read in the 
churches of Boston. This stirred the hearts of 
the old Puritans to the deepest depth. They 
pleaded their chartered privileges against his 
taxes. He told them the king had recalled 
their charters. 'Do you think,' said he, 'that 
Tom and Joe may tell the king what money he 
may have.' They produced their titles to their 
lands that they had purchased from the Indians, 
the original owners of the soil. Andross replied 
that it was ' worth no more than the scratch of 
a bear's paw.' But an honest Puritan minister, 
John Higginson, told Andross that they went 
back from all charters and human laws to the 
book of Genesis, where ' God gave the earth to 
the sons of Adam to be subdued and replen- 
ished,' and declared that ' the people of New 
England held their lands from the grand charter 
of the King of kings.' " 

" That was a good point, aunty," said Albert. 
" What did Andross say to that > " 

"Why, he called him a 'rebel,' and threat- 
ened to deal with him. Bloodshed would have 
followed, for these New England fathers loved 
their liberties more ''ban their lives, but fortu- 



io6 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

nately King James had become very unpopu- 
lar in England. His own children conspired 
against him. He was accused of being a Cath- 
olic in disguise, and was driven from the throne 
into exile. His daughter Mary, and her hus- 
band, Wilham of Orange, ascended the throne. 
They were Protestants, and were more friendly 
to the American colonies. When this good 
news came, Andross was ordered by the author- 
ities to quit the country forthwith. Indeed, he 
made all haste to do so, and thought himself 
happy to escape in safety from the people he 
had insulted and outraged. The good people 
of New England, and, indeed, of all the colonies, 
felt a sense of relief when they knew that he 
was fairly out of the country, for they were 
aware that the fate of the New England colo- 
nies would be sure to be theirs in due order, for 
their interests were one. In this attempt at 
tyranny King James had, without intending it, 
done a good work for America. He had con- 
solidated New England, that is, united them in 
order that Andross might more conveniently 
tax and oppress them. In the presence of 
this danger to their liberties, the hearts of the 
people flowed together as they never had before, 
and they had joined hand in hand to resist the 
oppression. They thus early learned that in 



Enemies Across the Sea — Union. 107 

their union was their strength. This idea grew 

and strengthened from this time, and the people 

of the different colonies saw more and more 

that their interests were one. Thus good came 

out of apparent evil. That glorious idea of 

union took deep root in the American heart, 

j and afterward resulted in that more perfect 

' union that is to-day the corner-stone of our 

\ national greatness." 



io8 True Stories of the American Fathers, 



CHAPTER VIII. 

French War — French. Jealousy and. French 
Intrigues. 

^^^"(l^T'HERE did we break ofT last evening, 

^^r children?" inquired Aunt Edith. 

"They had just driven Andross out of New- 
England, who had taxed and plundered them 
and taken away their liberties by order of King 
James," answered Albert. 

"Very true. Why did I say that this attempt 
at tyranny was an advantage to the country V 

"Because," added Nannie, "it put the idea 
of ' union' into the minds of the colonists." 

" Right, Nannie. Now keep the thread of 
the story. Andross was driven home about 
the year 1690. What befell King James .?" 

"The English people hated him, and drove 
him from the throne, and he fled from the 
kingdom." 

" True, and they then invited William, Prince 
of Orange, a Hollander, who had married Mary, 
the daughter of King James, to come over and 
rule them. By doing this the English people 
established the principle that the British Con- 
stitution governs the king as well as the subject, 



French War — yealousy and Intrigues. 109 

and is the supreme authority in the land. After 
the death of William and Mary, and of Queen 
Anne, their successor, the House of Hanover 
ruled England, in the persons of the Kings 
George First, Second, and Third. They were 
more German than English, and were more in- 
terested in European than American affairs. 
This was a great blessing to America, for all 
she needed was just to be 'let alone.' This 
English neglect was very wholesome. For the 
next fifty years the colonies grew stronger and 
richer. They planted and reaped, and their 
store-houses were full. They increased rapidly 
in population, they pushed further and further 
into the wilderness, turning its wild wastes into 
smiling fields of plenty. In New York the 
English settlements were pushing westward to 
the lakes, and in Pennsylvania and Virginia 
westward to the Ohio River. So far as con- 
cerned the colonies themselves, peace, pros- 
perity, and happiness nestled in her beautiful 
valleys and crowned her glorious hill-tops. How 
different from the scenes that had been and 
still were enacting on the other side of the At- 
lantic ! With only short intervals of rest, Eu- 
rope had been for nearly two centuries cursed 
with war. With whatever political strifes em- 
broiled the nations there inevitably mingled 



no True Stories of the American patliers. 

that old undercurrent of religious difference. 
It was the irrepressible conflict of Protest- 
antism and Catholicism, England leading the 
Protestant nations and France the Catholic, 
while Germany was the battle-ground. A 
fierce, cruel wrestle they had of it through the 
long and weary years, and unfortunately their 
quarrels were not confined to European soil, 
but extended to their possessions and colonies 
all over the world. Again and again the strifes 
of the Old World stained the soil of the New 
with blood. In the space of seventy-one years, 
from 1689 to 1760, the American colonies were 
involved in four wars, occupying in all twenty- 
seven years. This included the French and 
Indian war of which I am now about to tell you. 
The French, you know, had settled Canada, 
which lay north of our New England colonies. 
It was a French Catholic province. They had 
also settled around the great lakes, and laid 
claim to the West, the valley of the Mississippi, 
down to Louisiana. They were jealous of the 
English because of their rich American colo- 
nies. They resolved that England should not 
own the whole of this vast continent, so they 
built a chain efforts from Canada to the Ohio 
River, and declared that England should not 
pass the river nor occupy the lands west of it. 



French War — Jealousy and Intrigues, iii 

Of course our fathers took sides with England, 
for they had no sympathy with French Cath- 
ohcs and did not want them for neighbors. 
They preferred that the whole continent should 
be Protestant if possible, so they left the plow, 
and buckled on the sword and shouldered the 
musket. Those who remained at home when 
they assembled for public worship, or when 
they knelt at their home altars, sent up fervent 
prayers that God would give the victory to the 
right. The French induced the Canadian In- 
dians to. join with them against the English and 
against our fathers. They had a fearful strug- 
gle, and English and American blood flowed 
like water before the strife ended. But the God 
of battles gave the victory to the cause of Prot- 
estantism both in America and in Europe. The 
Catholic nations were baffled and driven back 
in confusion, and England came out of the 
contest greater and stronger than ever. When 
at last a treaty of peace was signed in Paris 
in 1763, her American colonial possessions 
stretched from the Mississippi to the Atlantic 
Ocean, and from the Gulf of Mexico to Hud- 
son's Bay ; for Canada was now an English 
province. Our fathers gave thanks for the vic- 
tory, gladly laid aside their swords, and resumed 
their peaceful pursuits. 



112 True Stones of the American Fathers. 

"Not only in America and Europe did En- 
gland triumph over France, but He in whose 
hands *are the corners of the earth' gave her 
the victory wherever the conflict raged. France 
came out of the struggle defeated and despoiled 
of her possessions. She lost her settlements 
in Africa, while in India and the adjacent 
islands her power was shattered, and the Em- 
pire of the East was given to England, who 
holds it to this day. 

" I have now described the French war, as it 
is called in American history. You have seen 
that to the French it resulted in the loss of 
Canada, as well as all the territory of the West. 
But though England was now at the very 
height of power, she had many enemies. All 
the Catholic nations of Europe hated her, and 
the Protestant nations envied and feared her. 
The English were a great nation, certainly, 
but haughty and domineering ; always looking 
to their gwn interests at their neighbors ex- 
pense, and seeking the lion's share in every 
bargain. England owned rich colonies and 
islands in the East and West Indies ; but the 
source of her greatest revenues were her Amer- 
ican colonies. Give me your attention, chil- 
dren, and I will explain how this was. 

" England is a great manufacturing country. 



French War — Jealousy and Intrigues. 113 

The Americans at that time were principally 
farmers and planters, or fishermen. The En- 
glish parliament had from the first settlement 
of the colonies made all laws concerning com- 
merce and trade between America and England. 
By these laws the colonists were obhged to take 
all the productions of this country, over and 
above what they used, into Enghsh markets, 
and to no other. Tobacco, grain, wool, iron, 
and other articles, all went to England to 
be manufactured. Other laws compelled the 
Americans to buy all they wanted from the 
shops of England. Now this was a great advan- 
tage to England, but not to America. You 
know, boys, if you have any thing to sell, you 
would like to sell it to the boy who would pay 
you most for it ; and, Nannie, if you and I go 
shopping we shouldn't want to buy at one par- 
ticular shop whether we liked the article or not, 
or whether we paid more for it than we could 
buy it for elsewhere. America was the largest 
customer England had. The population had 
increased so rapidly that they purchased mill- 
ions of dollars' worth of British goods every 
year. But though the advantage was all on 
the side of England, the Americans submitted 
cheerfully in consideration of the advantages 
they derived in many ways from the British 



114 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

merchants, who had been always liberal to them. 
You remember it was a company of London 
merchants who sent out John Smith's colony, 
and they also lent our Pilgrim Fathers money to 
bring them here. They afterward generously 
advanced them money on many occasions to 
make such improvements as building bridges, 
making roads, and draining marshes. 

" The possession of these colonies by England 
made her an object of jealousy to all Europe, 
but especially to France, whose national pride 
was stung to the quick by her losses during the 
late war, especially the loss of Canada. Her 
only hope of crippling the power of England 
was to separate the hearts of her colonists from 
her, and induce them to declare themselves in- 
dependent. They lost no opportunity of making 
mischief between the two countries, and the 
French Government went so far as to send 
secret emissaries to America to travel through 
the country to sow the seeds of discord. They 
tried to arouse the pride and ambition of the 
Americans by descanting upon their wealth, 
power, and rapidly-increasing population ; tell- 
ing them they were no longer in their infancy, 
but were strong enough to declare themselves 
a nation, free and independent. They talked 
much of England's tyranny, her oppressive laws 



French War — ycaloiisy and Intrigues. 1 1 5 

and acts of parliament, that crippled American 

commerce and manufactures only to fill the 

pockets of English merchants and mechanics. 

With many other arguments of this sort, they 

predicted still more oppressive laws and further 

acts of tyranny, and counseled the Americans 

to be ready for resistance. They found many 

who lent an eager ear to these suggestions ; 

but there is no doubt a very large majority of 

i the American people were satisfied with their 

i connection with England, and were happy in 

! being called British subjects, so that if the 

mother country had treated her American colo- 

I nies kindly these foreign mischief-makers would 

' have failed utterly to accomplish their designs. 

j But she did not. 

I " England was intoxicated with her glory and 
her power. All Europe trembled before her, 
^ and she was mistress of the ocean. King 
George III. and his ministers thought that the 
long-wished-for opportunity was now come to 
make the kingly authority felt and acknowledged 
in America. You remember I told you that 
our fathers had enemies in England who dis- 
trusted them, and often predicted that one day 
they would rebel and escape from British rule. 
These enemies " were principally among the 
nobles, the dignitaries of the English Church, 



ii6 True Stories of the American Fathers, 

and the king's ministers. King George was a 
devotee to the doctrine of the divine right of 
kings, and thought the American people had 
too much poHtical Hberty. The true friends of 
America were mainly among the middle classes, 
the British merchants and Dissenters, More- 
over, though England had emerged from her 
long wars splendid in her outward pomp and 
glory, yet we must remember that war is very 
expensive, and that nations pay dearly for its 
glories and its triumphs. England was bur- 
dened with an immense debt, and her people 
groaned under heavy taxes. * Now,' thought 
the English ministers and the parliament, ' now 
is the time to make proof of our power over the 
Americans by laying taxes upon them, and thus 
relieve the English people from such a weight 
as oppresses them/ But the Americans de- 
clared that they would not be taxed by an En- 
glish parliament, three thousand miles away, 
whose members never saw America. The En- 
glish parliament consists of two bodies called 
the House of Lords and the House of Commons. 
They do not in all respects correspond to our 
Senate and House of Representatives, though 
they make laws for the English people, just as 
our representatives do for us. 

"America had no representatives in parlia- 



French War — yealoiisy and Intrigues. 1 1 7 

ment, no voice in any of its acts, and they re- 
solved there should be ' no taxation without 
representation.' That became the watchword 
of the country. The English in turn contended 
that America ought to be willing to be taxed 
and help to pay the expenses of the late war, 
since it had cost England a great deal to send 
her ships of war and armie*to America to beat 
back the French and Indians and secure peace. 
The Americans admitted that they owed a debt 
both of gratitude and money to the mother 
country, and they were quite willing to pay it, 
but they must be allowed to lay the taxes upon 
themselves. Each colony was governed by an 
assembly composed of representatives elected 
by their own people, who made all laws, and 
laid all taxes, just as parliament did for England. 
Each colony would be willing to pay her pro- 
portion of whatever England thought was justly 
due her. 

" They sent agents over to the king and par- 
liament to make known their determination in 
respectful language. And they also desired 
that England would recall the British soldiers 
from America, since they were now at peace, 
and it was a useless expense to maintain them 
here." 

" I don't see," said Nannie, " how the fathers 



Ii8 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

could have been more reasonable or more in 
the right." 

"Well, it looked so from this side of the 
ocean, but to-morrow evening I'll tell you how 
it looked from the other side." 




British Taxation and Tyranny, 119 



CHAPTER IX. 

British Stupidity — Taxation and. Tyranny— William 
Pitt — "Sons of Liberty" — South Carolina and Mas- 
sachusetts say, "We be Brethren." 

AM to tell you this evening, children, that 
the British ministers and King George 
were very angry at what they called the 
obstinacy and ingratitude of the Americans in 
refusing to submit to be taxed, and they re- 
solved that they would compel them to submis- 
sion. They therefore refused to recall their 
army home, under pretense that it was neces- 
sary to overawe the Indians and keep the peace. 
But New England was as keen-sighted as Old 
England. The Americans saw quite through 
this false excuse, and felt sure that the army 
was kept here to overawe them. The parha- 
ment proceeded soon after to pass several very 
irritating and tyrannical acts. One of these 
forbade the colonies to trade with each other. 
Another forbade mechanics to have more than 
two apprentices. Still another declared that 
lumber, pitch, and pine-trees should be cut only 
within certain Kmits. Another interrupted the 
commerce that had always been carried on be- 



120 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

tween the colonies and the West Indies, which 
was a great source of weahh to the Americans, 
and also a great convenience, as they obtained 
from the Islands silver and gold with which 
they paid their debts to British merchants. 
This unwise and provoking legislation of parlia- 
ment only roused the indignation of the people, 
and drove them to unite in their opposition to 
such a system of tyranny. They petitioned and 
protested, but the ministers and the king and 
parliament blindly persisted in their mad reso- 
lution to conquer and break the proud spirit of 
the Americans. They followed up these acts 
by another called the Stamp Act, the most un- 
popular measure ever tried with the colonists. 
This news was received in America with a per- 
fect storm of indignation, that swept over the 
land from Maine to Georgia. The hearts of the 
people throbbed together as one heart. They 
organized themselves under the name of ' Sons 
of Liberty' in all the colonies, and pledged 
themselves to stand by each other. I see you 
are curious to know what the Stamp Act was. 
It was a law which required all bonds, notes, 
and such Hke papers used by the colonists to 
have stamps on them, the stamps being a tax 
so much over and above the real value of the 
papers. No other paper was legal. It was a 



British Taxation and Tyranny. 121 

very skillfully-devised measure, and, if it could 
have been enforced, would have brought in a 
large revenue, for nearly every body must use 
such paper. . 

"The people were infuriated. In New En- 
gland they mobbed- the houses of the men who 
had been appointed stamp-officers, and com- 
pelled them to fly for their lives. They also 
entered into a solemn league to neither buy 
nor use British goods until this Stamp Act was 
repealed. They likewise called a congress of 
delegates from the various colonies to meet in 
New York in October, 1765. They met and 
drew up their petitions to the king, the House 
of Lords, and House of Commons. The British 
merchants, alarmed at the resolutions of the 
Americans to buy no more of their wares, pre- 
sented their petitions to parliament, picturing 
to them the ruin that would follow to England 
if the Americans were driven to extremities by 
these unjust measures, and praying parliament 
to repeal this obnoxious act and restore good 
feeling between the two countries. The minis- 
ters were now alarmed. Of all things they 
dreaded an American congress, and they called 
before them Benjamin Franklin, one of the 
American agents, to question him on these 
subjects. 



122 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

"This man began life as an apprentice to a 
printer in Boston, and he struggled up to occu- 
py one of the proudest positions ever reached by 
man. His fame had gone before him, and now 
he verified the truth of the inspired proverb, 
* Seest thou a man diligent in his business ? he 
shall stand before kings.' When it was known 
that Benjamin Franklin would speak in the 
House of Lords, the galleries were crowded to 
hear him. He reasoned the subject with great 
dignity, calmness, and presence of mind, and 
produced a profound impression. William Pitt, 
the greatest of English statesmen, also took his 
stand on the side of the coloni-es, in a speech 
of great power and eloquence, and obtained the 
repeal of- the Stamp Act. This happy news 
was received, both in England and America, 
with universal rejoicings, ringing of bells, bon- 
fires, and devout thanksgiving. These demon- 
strations were sincere in both countries, for the 
loss by the interruptions of commerce had been 
great, and the prospect of civil war terrible to 
contemplate. The Assembly of Massachusetts 
voted thanks to the great statesman, William 
Pitt, who had pleaded for the colonies, and the 
Assembly of Virginia ordered a statue to the 
king and the illustrious men who had acknowl- 
edged the justice of their cause. Yet, after 



British Taxatio7i and Tyranny. 123 

all, it was more a hope than a faith that the 
Americans cherished in the good intentions of 
England toward them. Though they were un- 
willing to confess it, confidence was gone." 

" O what a pity !" said little Stevey, mournfully. 

" It seemed so indeed, my little boy, though 
evil often changes to good, and sorrow into joy. 
You must remember, children, that the first 
generation of settlers before whose stalwart 
arms the forests had bowed, whose hands plant- 
ed the first fields and reared the first cabins in 
the wilderness, had passed away. England was 
the land of their birth, the home of their youth. 
But they were gone. Their children, born and 
reared here, knew no country, loved no country, 
in comparison with America. They knew noth- 
ing of kingly splendor, court pageantry, and 
privileged orders. Time had weakened the ties 
between the mother country and her colonies. 
The calm that succeeded for the next few years 
was not without omens of that fierce storm 
which was soon to sweep and desolate the land 
with the fire and sword of civil war." 

"What does civil war mean, aunty .^" asked 
Harry. 

"War between people of the same nation. 
The Americans were English subjects as much 
as those who lived in England. There were 



124 True Stones of the American Fathers. 

also even in America quite a number who 
were willing to submit to the king, and who 
refused to take any part in the rebellion, while 
a good many actually joined the king's armies, 
and fought against their countrymen and friends. 
They hated each other bitterly. Even families 
were divided ; father against son, and brother 
against brother. Civil war is the saddest, most 
sorrowful, and cruel of all war. But I was about 
to tell you of King George. He was always 
sorry that he had allowed the repeal of the 
Stamp Act, and he was still determined to 
punish and conquer the Americans. Indeed, 
he thought it his first duty to maintain the dig- 
nity of kingly authority. 

"William Pitt, also called Earl of Chatham, 
the great statesman who had ruled in the coun- 
cils of England for so many years, whose genius 
and wisdom had brought her. to such a height 
of power and splendor, was too old and feeble 
longer to hold the helm of state. He and his 
associates were succeeded by other and inferior 
men, who were more wilHng to follow the coun- 
cils and wishes of the stubborn and blind king. 
They soon brought into parliament a bill to 
impose taxes on tea, glass, and paints. It was 
immediately passed and approved by the king. 
The revenues from the taxes were to be applied 



British Taxation and Tyranny. 125 

to pay the salaries of the governors and judges 
of the colonies. This was worse than ever, for 
the colonies had always paid their own officers 
from their own treasuries ; but now they would 
be entirely in the interest of the king who paid 
them. They said at once, * We wont submit to 
it.' New England, New York, Virginia, Mary- 
land, and South Carolina spoke it out very loud 
and distinctly. Committees of correspondence 
between the * Sons of Liberty ' were organized 
in every colony, and a constant interchange of 
views and purposes was kept up. They entered 
into a League and Covenant not to import nor 
use British goods or manufactures, and they 
faithfully adhered to it. They were to act in 
concert and keep faith with one another, and 
stand or fall together. The English were fright- 
ened again, and repealed all except the tax on 
tea. The Americans were firm. Not a pound 
of it should land. It was the principle, not the 
tax, that they contended against. When the 
tea reached New York and Philadelphia no one 
had the courage to receive it, lest their houses 
should be pulled down about their heads. In 
Charleston some was taken ashore and secreted 
in damp cellars, where it soon spoiled. At Bos- 
ton notice was several times given to the ships 
to sail out of the harbor and return the tea to its 



126 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

owners. As this order was not complied with, 
twenty men, disguised as Indians, went quietly 
aboard under cover of night, and in a few mo- 
ments three hundred and forty chests of tea 
were emptied into Boston harbor. And this is 
the famous 'Boston Tea Party' you have so 
often heard of. A large crowd of the friends 
of these men stood on shore until the deed was 
accomplished, and then all retired quietly to 
their homes. 

"When tidings of these things reached En- 
gland the ministers and the king, and all who 
were of their opinions, were enraged out of 
measure at the obstinate resistance of these 
American 'rogues and rascals' to the English 
crown and parliament. Orders were sent out 
to General Gage, a British officer who was at 
New York, to proceed immediately to Boston 
with two regiments of soldiers. His squadron 
of fourteen ships also took position to command 
the city. He landed his troops and ordered 
them to invest the city, and they occupied the 
State House by direction of the royal governor, 
Sir Francis Bernard. The Americans were 
indignant to see their State-House, sacred in 
their eyes, defiled by the presence of an armed 
foe. Guards challenged them at the street cor- 
ners as they went about their daily vocations ; 



British Taxation and Tyranny. 127 

constant sources of irritation arose and embit- 
tered the citizens and soldiery, until at length 
it ended in a street-fight between the soldiers 
and an armed band of citizens, in which three 
were killed and several wounded. The citizens 
gathered by thousands, and the governor thought 
it prudent to remove the soldiers. All these 
events had no other effect upon the king, his 
ministers, and parliament than to harden their 
hearts like Pharaoh of old. His prime minister. 
Lord North, at once introduced a bill, called the 
* Port Bill,' cutting off all commerce and trade 
with Boston from any quarter. It was to go 
into effect June i, 1774, after which no ship 
was to load or unload within her harbor, and 
the offices of custom were to be removed to the 
neighboring town of Salem. Lord North said 
this was because ' from this city of Boston has 
issued all the mischief which disturbs the colo- 
nies, and all the venom which infests America.' 
Now this was a heavy blow, for the wealth of 
Boston was her commerce, and she was the 
largest and richest of American cities. The 
execution of this port bill would bring her to 
ruin, and they had no power to resist, because 
General Gage was now military governor of 
the province ; his soldiers held the city, and his 
ships of war her harbor. 



126 True Stories of the Americixn Fathers. 

ow'The English government thought by these 
txivere means at once to punis^h and make an 
example of Boston, and intimidate the other 
colonies from imitating her. But they failed 
utterly to accomplish their ob^ject. From far 
and near came words of symj^iathy and cheer. 
The first of June was observe J as a day of 
mourning throughout the land, In all the cities 
the stores were closed, and t|ie bells tolled for 
the misfortunes of their brt^thren of Boston. 
They declared that their interests and their 
destinies should be one witli hers, and the in- 
habitants of Salem and the other ports, whom 
the English government supposed would self- 
ishly rejoice in the removal of commerce to 
their towns, generously off;-red the Bostonians 
their wharves and warehouses free of expense. 
Great distress and suffering prevailed in Boston. 
Their rich men were now poor, and their labor- 
ing classes on the point of starvation. But 
from every colony came not only the blessing 
of good words, but gifts of substantial relief. 
The warm heart of South Carolina, child of the 
sun, throbbed right agains^: the heart of Massa- 
chusetts. Her people wert> the first to minister 
to t^he sufierers, sending e^irly in June two hun- 
dreld barrels of rice, with 'word that six hundred 
mc/re would follow. At Wilmington, North 



British Taxation and Tyranny. 129 

Carolina, two hundred pounds currency .were 
raised in a few days. Lord North had laughed 
at the idea of American union, caUing it *a rope 
of sand.' ' It is a rope,' said the people of Wil- 
mington, ' that will hang him.' The New En- 
gland colonies made offerings of sheep, cattle, 
fish, and flour; in short, * whatever the land or 
the hook and line could furnish.' Even the 
French in Canada sent over a thousand bushels 
of wheat. Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia 
contributed. In Fairfax County, where Wash- 
ington presided at a meeting, he headed the 
subscription paper with a gift of fifty pounds. 
Away in the Valley of Virginia, beyond the 
Blue Ridge, the hardy mountaineers dedicated 
to Boston the first-fruits of their fields that the 
sun of 1774 should ripen. When the grain 
was golden they threshed and ground it, loaded 
their wagons and dragged it over the rude 
mountain-passes, and quietly delivered at Fred- 
erick, Maryland, one hundred and thirty-seven 
barrels of flour as their gift to the sufferers of 
Boston, whose cause was also their cause. 

" Cheered by such sympathy, Boston sent 
word back that they should endure to the end, 
* trusting in God that these things would be 
overruled for the establishment of liberty, vir- 
tue, and happiness in America.' " 



130 True Stories of the American Fathers, 



CHAPTER X. 

King George Insults Benjamin Franklin — Lexington 
and Concord. Avenge the Insult — First Congress. 

fHE old year had gone out and the new 
year had come in since Aunt Edith and 
the children met for their evening history 
lesson. Christmas and New Year, too, were 
come and gone. The holidays had brought the 
father home to his fireside, and well pleased was 
he to find that his children had redeemed an 
hour from each day's play to such good uses. 
As he sat beside the evening firelight, Stevey 
on one knee and Grace on the other, he listened 
with relish to the children's ghb descriptions 
of the relative merits of Columbus and John 
Smith, Raleigh and William Penn, occasionally 
throwing in a fire of cross questions upon the 
little group, and praising their ready replies. 
As a reward for their attention he promised 
to select for them a library of American biog- 
raphy, that they might come to know still more 
intimately the hero ancestry of their country. 
Aunt Edith had spent her Christmas twenty 
miles away, at the manor, with Uncle Jesse and 



First Congress — Lexington and Concord. 131 

Aunt Rachel ; but she was back now, to the 
children's delight, bringing with her Cousin 
Alice, a golden-haired little girl just Harry's 
age. All day Aunt Edith had been listening 
to the children's tales of Christmas, looking at 
their gifts — parlor-skates, sleds, crying-babies, 
marvelous games, and, best of all, a beautiful 
pony, that Stevey had named " Harry Vane." 
He was so gentle that Nannie had had more 
than one gallop over the hill, and twice he had 
drawn Stevey in his little cushioned wagon 
down to the pond to see the boys skate. When 
six o'clock came, however, they were ready for 
their history lesson, delighted to have another 
member for their class ; for Cousin Alice was 
to stay some time, and Harry had tried to tell 
her all he remembered of the beautiful story of 
our country's childhood. 

" Now, Harry," said Aunt Edith, " if you are 
not too tired of talking, I would like you to tell 
me the position of affairs, as well as you re- 
member it." 

" Yes. I remember it well : General Gage 
with fourteen ships of war in Boston harbor, 
British soldiers holding the city, the people 
starving but for the charity of their neighbors, 
and not a sign of yielding." 

" Very well, my boy. The Bostonians showed 



132 True Stoines of the American Fathers. 

themselves true sons of noble sires. Even the 
laborers and carpenters, though often in ex- 
tremity for food, refused to build barracks for 
the British officers, or turn a spade on the forti- 
fications with which their enemies were encir- 
cling the city. Meantime, across the Atlantic, 
there stood before the king and thirty-five Lords 
of Council, pleading the cause of his country, 
Benjamin Franklin, once the poor printer-ap- 




FRANKLIN. 

prentice-boy, but now the gray-haired philos- 
opher whom all Europe honored. Against him 
were arrayed nobles and ministry, parliament, 



First Congress — L exington and Concord. 133 

court, and king ; but Franklin was the real king 
amid them all. Unable to set aside his facts 
or out-argue him, they tried to cover his good 
name with infamy, but he made a brave defense. 
The king, however, pretended to believe the 
false accusation of one of the ministers, named 
Wedderburn, and insulted Franklin as the ple- 
beian representative of a nation of plebeians. 
Franklin shortly after embarked for his own 
land, *to spread the celestial fire of freedom 
among men, and to make his name a cherished 
household word in every nation of Europe. 
When he died,' continues the historian, ' he had 
nations for his mourners, and the great and 
good throughout the world as his eulogists. 
When Wedderburn died no senate spoke his 
praise, no poet embalmed his memory ; and even 
his king, hearing that he was dead, said only, 
" He has not left a greater knave behind him 
in my dominions." And who were" the thirty 
Lords of the Council that thought to mark and 
brand the noblest representative of free labor, 
who for many a year had earned his daily bread 
as apprentice, and knew the heart of the work- 
ing man. If they had never come into being, 
whom among them would humanity have 
missed t But how would it have suffered if 
Franklin had not lived ? ' 



134 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

"A few months after, the first American 
Congress convened at Philadelphia, the city 
built by William Penn, perhaps the purest among 
the immortal workmen who wrought and laid 
the foundations of the Republic ; for which he 
had, in his old age, uttered this prayer : ' And 
thou, Philadelphia, my soul prays to God for 
thee, that thou mayest stand in the day of trial' 
This congress was composed of delegates elect- 
ed and sent by the people of each colony. 
Arriving in Philadelphia, the State-House was 
offered for their use, but the carpenters of the 
city also offered their plain but spacious hall, 
and the delicacy and courtesy of these Ameri- 
can noblemen of the first congress was shown 
in their acceptance of the mechanics' offer. It 
was proposed that their deliberations should 
be prefaced and sanctified with prayer. Some 
members objected on account of the diversity 
of religious views of the body; but Samuel 
Adams, Puritan born, Puritan descended, said, 
'I am no bigot. I can hear a prayer from 
any man of piety and virtue who is at the 
same time a friend to his country.' He then 
nominated Duche, an Episcopal clergyman, for 
the service. There stood reverently in prayer, 
Washington, Henry, Randolph, Lee, Jay, Rut- 
ledge, Gadsden, Livingston, Sherman, and the 



First Congress — Lexington and Concord. 1 3 5 

Adamses. The psalm for the day was the voice 
of each heart : ' O Lord, fight thou against 
them that fight against me. Lord, who is Hke 
unto thee, who deUverest the poor from him 
that is too strong for him.' After the psalm 
the minister burst into an extempore prayer for 
America, Congress, Massachusetts, and espe- 
cially for Boston. Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, 
was chosen president of the congress. Then a 
long, deep silence fell upon the assembly. The 
clock of time had never told a more important 
hour than this. The hopes of the human race 
rested heavily on their wisdom and courage. 
Deeply as they felt this, yet they little compre- 
hended the light that should stream down the 
ages from the beacons their hands hung out 
from Independence Hall. ' They builded better 
than they knew.' 

"They first decided the method of voting. 
Massachusetts and Virginia were by far the 
largest and most populous of the colonies ; it 
was argued by some that they should have a 
larger voice in the decisions of congress. But 
the delegate from New Hampshire said, 'A 
little colony has its all at stake as well as a 
great one.' They concluded that each colony 
should have one vote. Again they sat in silence. 
Who should speak, and utter the mind and 



136 Trice Stories of the Ajuerican Fathers. 

heart of the assembly ? Massachusetts had al- 
ready spoken by the blood of her citizens slain 
in her streets by British soldiery, and by the 
patient endurance of the beleaguered city of 
Boston. The voice of Virginia was waited for. 
At last she spoke. Patrick Henry, the orator 
of the Revolution, arose and poured forth a 
tide of eloquence. He recited the wrongs of 
America, the tyranny of the king, and the un- 
constitutional acts of the British Parliament, 
and declared that 'all government was dis- 
solved, and they were now reduced to a state 
of nature.' Then these brave words thrilled 
through the assembly: 'British oppression has 
effaced the boundaries of the several colonies ; 
the distinctions between Virginians, Pennsyl- 
vanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders 
are no more. / am not a Virginian^ but an 
American' ■ 

"Now you must understand, children, that 
our fathers, by calling a general American 
congress, laid themselves open to the charge 
of treason. They had no legal right to convene 
such an assembly ; they set aside their charters, 
and their governors, and all authority, by so 
doing. Therefore they were very careful in 
their proceedings, and exceedingly moderate 
in their language. The great majority of the 



First Congress — Lexington and Concord. 1 37 

people of all the colonies were still satisfied to 
live and die subjects of King George the Third 
and the British government ; indeed, they pre- 
ferred it, if the rights of British subjects could 
be secured to them. Thus they instructed the 
men they sent to the first Congress. They were 
to seek by every means to restore peace and 
confidence between America and the mother 
country ; armed resistance was deplored as the 
last resort, to be tried only when every other 
hope vanished. The Congress therefore de- 
cided once more to petition the king and the 
parliament. They also issued an address to the 
English people as fellow-countrymen, to the 
Canadians also, and one to the American people, 
setting forth the justice of their cause. They 
then adjourned. The Canadians received the 
address with some favor. Canada, you remem- 
ber, had not been many years an English pos- 
session. There were many French there who 
had no great love for England, and they wished 
the Americans success. The address of Con- 
gress to the American people was received 
throughout the colonies with the greatest en- 
thusiasm. It was indorsed in the colonial as- 
sembUes as their own sentiments, and thanks 
were offered to their delegates w^ho had so wise- 
ly and prudently represented them. They also 



138 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

resolved that if the king and parhament did not 
retrace their steps and retire within the bounds 
of the British constitution, so dear to British 
subjects in America as well as in England, that 
they would resist their unlawful and tyrannical 
decrees by every means in their power. 

"Notice, children, just where the difficulty 
lay. It was not British rule or constitutional 
law that our fathers resisted ; it was King 
George the Third and his ministers and parlia- 
ment, who attempted to overstep the limits of 
their powers and tyrannize over loyal British 
subjects. The address to the people of England 
as fellow-countrymen was very well received. 
The city of London and other parts of the king- 
dom sent up petitions to the British authorities 
in favor of the American cause ; for the English 
people had suffered themselves in time past 
from the tyranny of their kings — so much so 
that they had rebelled and taken up arms. You 
remember they had brought King Charles the 
First to the block and taken off his head, and 
afterward they rose in wrath against King 
James and drove him from the throne. 

^* Of all the members of a nation or govern- 
ment, it is certainly most befitting that the king, 
or the head of the nation whatever be his title, 
should sacredly observe the laws himself if he 



First Congress — Lexington and Concord. 1 39 

would have loyal subjects. Very many of the 
English people sided with the Americans and 
wished them success. Many learned and emi- 
nent men addressed letters to the king and 
the ministers against their unwise course. In 
parliament, too, many of the noblest and most 
eloquent of British statesmen pleaded their 
cause ; while the greatest of them all, the elo- 
quent old man Chatham, bending beneath the 
weight of years, his keen and vigorous intellect 
undimmed by the touch of time, appeared once 
more in the House of Lords, to denounce the 
blindness and madness of Lord North, the 
ministry, and King George, and to eulogize the 
American cause as set forth by the statesmen 
of the American Congress. These words closed 
his speech : * For myself I must avow that in 
all my reading — and I have read Thucydides, 
and studied and admired the master statesmen 
of the world — for solidity of reason, force of 
sagacity, and wisdom of conclusion under a 
complication of difficult circumstances, no na- 
tion or body of men can stand in preference to 
the General Congress of Philadelphia. The 
histories of Greece and Rome give us nothing 
equal to it, and all attempts to impose servitude 
upon such a mighty continental nation must be 
vain. If the ministers persevere in thus mis- 



140 ^nic Stories of the American Fathers. 

leading the king, I will not say that the king is 
betrayed, but I will pronounce that the king- 
dom is undone ; I will not say that they can 
alienate the affections of his subjects from his 
crown, but I will affirm that, the American 
jewel out of it, they will make the crown not 
worth his wearing.' 

"The eloquence of the friends of America 
availed nothing. They were outvoted ; the re- 
spectful and dignified petitions of the Congress 
were spurned with contempt, and the inhabit- 
ants of Massachusetts were declared * rebels.' 
Across the channel France looked on and 
smiled, well pleased at England's madness and 
folly. She was working out that ruin for her- 
self which France had so long desired to see. 
Meantime all over the hills and through the 
valleys of our land the ' Sons of Liberty' and the 
'Minute Men' were calling to arms, gathering 
together what powder and cannon could be 
found, brightening their firelocks, organizing 
and drilling. In Massachusetts they slept on 
their arms, had no faith in British promises 
and less fear of British threats. 

" General Gage's fleet rode idly at anchor in 
Boston harbor. British troops had fortified the 
adjacent hills, and men held their breath and 
waited to know 'What next.?' At Concord, a 



First Congress — Lexington and Concord. 141 

day's march away from Boston, the Massachu- 
setts rebels had stored cannon and arms. Gen- 
eral Gage was informed of it, and planned an 
excursion thither to seize it. The soldiers were 
to start at night to avoid suspicion and make 
it a surprise. But the patriots of Boston had 
their eyes and ears open, and two hours in ad- 
vance of their time Dr. Warren, a * high Son of 
Liberty,' dispatched two trusty Minute Men on 
the road to Concord to sound the alarm and 
call up the militia. Soon every farm-house was 
astir, the village bells rang, and beacon-lights 
streamed out. At Lexington the Minute Men 
assembled and paraded, and after waiting sev- 
eral hours a watch was set, and they were dis- 
missed with orders to assemble at drum-beat. 
The last stars faded back into the sky as the 
drum-call was again heard through the village. 
It was promptly obeyed. Seventy men an- 
swered to their names and took station on the 
village green, close beside the meeting-house 
and hard by the village grave-yard, where slept 
the sacred dust of their fathers, who had loved 
their liberties more than their lives. They 
stood silent and fearless. It had been better, 
perhaps, if they had made no stand at Lexing- 
ton, but had fallen back to Concord and swelled 
the numbers at the threatened point ; but they 



142 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

thought best to stand by their own homes and 
altars. These they stood on that sweet spring 
morning, April 19, 1775. Jonas Parker, 'the 
strongest and best wrestler in Lexington, had 
vowed never to run from British troops, and he 
kept it.' The British, seven companies strong, 
infantry and grenadiers, came up at double- 
quick, calling out, * Disperse, ye rebels ! Ye 
rebels, lay down your arms ! ' The Americans 
stood still, and the British order was given, 
' Fire ! ' They fired, and the dying and the 
wounded lay stretched on the village green. 
Jonas Parker, seeing that it would be murder, 
not battle, with seventy against seven hundred, 
ordered his men to retire. As they did so they 
answered the enemy's fire at random. The 
British continued still to fire, killing and wound- 
ing. One of their murderous balls brought 
Jonas Parker to his knees. He had discharged 
his gun and was reloading, 'when as brave a 
heart as ever beat for freedom was stilled by a 
bayonet, and he lay on the post which he took 
at the morning drum-beat/ 

"The British drew up on the green, now 
crimson with warm life-blood, fired a volley, 
sent up three huzzas for the brilliant victory, 
and marched on toward Concord. At two 
o'clock that morning the drum had roused the 



First Congress — Lexington and Concord. 143 

militia. They assembled, two hundred strong — 
a band of neighbors, brothers, known to each 
other in their daily walks and toils, and meet- 
ing at the same altar for worship. Their min- 
ister stood with them, his gmi on his shoulder. 
His sermons and prayers had nerved their 
hearts and hands to the sacred duty of defend- 
ing their civil liberties ; for, losing these, how 
long would they enjoy religious liberty.'* Find- 
ing themselves largely outnumbered, they fell 
back north of the town to wait for reinforce- 
ments. The British entered Concord at sun- 
rise, spiked a few cannon, and threw into the 
river all the powder they could find, the greater 
part having been removed ; they then employed 
themselves with plundering private property. 
Before long, however, their cavalry, which had 
been scouring the country, returned with the 
news of a general uprising and gathering of 
militia, and advised that they turn their faces 
with all speed toward Boston." 

"Ha! ha!" said Albert. "From Boston to 
Concord was a good move, no doubt, but from 
Concord to Boston is another thing." 

" While they deliberated the American militia 
approached the bridge, led by one Isaac Davis. 
The British began to pull up the planks, seeing 
which the Americans quickened their step. 



144 True Stones of the American Fathers. 

They had been charged to wait for the enemy's 
fire. Before they reached the bridge a volley 
was poured into their brave ranks, and Isaac 
Davis fell dead. *Just thirty -three years old, 
father of four little ones, stately in person, a 
man of few words, earnest even to solemnity, he 
parted from his wife, saying, "Take good care 
of the children." She gazed after him with 
resignation as he led his company to the scene 
of danger. That afternoon he was carried home 
and laid in her bedroom. His countenance was 
little altered and was pleasant in death. God 
gave her length of days in the land which his 
generous self-devotion assisted to redeem. She 
lived to see her country touch the Gulf of 
Mexico and the Pacific, and when it was grown 
great in numbers, wealth, and power, the United 
States, in Congress, paid honors to her hus- 
band's martyrdom.' Isaac Davis' townsmen 
pressed on to do their duty. Command to fire 
was given, and the British ranks broke in con- 
fusion, leaving the bridge with those to whom 
it belonged. The Americans followed up their 
advantage, fresh recruits pouring in at every 
step of the way The British, wearied with 
their long march and encumbered with their 
wounded, could make but slow time. The 
Americans trod uncomfortably upon their heels, 



First Congress — Lexington and Concord. 145 

and the fire waxed hotter. From behind every 
tree and stone fence the bullets whistled, partic-. 
ular attention being paid to the officers. Mad- 
dened to terror by their seen and unseen foes 
the retreat became a rout, and they fled through 
Lexington in hot haste. There were no tri- 
umphant huzzas now. They would have been 
utterly destroyed, but they were met by Lord 
Percy with twelve hundred fresh troops and 
two pieces of artillery. He formed a hollow 
square and let the fugitives lie down to rest, 
panting, with * their tongues hanging out of their 
mouths, like dogs after a chase,' while his artil- 
lery kept the Americans at bay for awhile. The 
Minute Men, however, continued to gather, and 
the cry was * still they come.' Lord Percy knew 
his position was perilous and pushed on as 
rapidly as possible. The unerring rebel marks- 
men now on his flanks, now on his rear, terrified 
the troops again into rout. In vain the officers 
threatened and ordered. The men ran like 
sheep ; nor could they be brought to order 
again until they found themselves safe under 
the guns of the fleet, with the loss of three hun- 
dred killed, wounded, and missing, among whom 
were many officers. Above all, they had to 
lament the loss of honor and prestige. The 
king's regulars had been driven in disgrace be- 



146 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

fore these rebel ^rogues and rascals/ who had 
been represented as too mean-spirited to fight ; 
of whom it had been promised in parliament 
that any British general with five regiments of 
infantry could traverse the whole country and 
drive the inhabitants from one end to the 
other. The mortification of General Gage was 
extreme. 

"The militia did not return to their homes, 
but took post near Boston, cutting off all 
supplies, and the king's army and fleet found 
themselves beleaguered in their turn. They 
continued to gather in the camp until their 
numbers swelled to thirty thousand men, who 
only waited the orders of Congress to drive the 
British into the sea, or at least to attempt it." 

" Hurra ! turn about's fair play," cried Harry 
as the second tea-bell rang ; and taking Stevey 
on his back, he carried him three times round 
the room and bore him triumphantly in to the 
supper-table. 



Second Congress — General Wasktngto7L 147 



CHAPTER XL 

Eaton and. Allen — Bunker Hill — Second Congress — 
General George VsTasliington. 

^OME, aunty, the clock is just going to 
^ ' strike six, and we are anxious to know 
what the people said when they heard 
about Lexington and Concord." 

"Well, Nannie, I'll borrow a paragraph by 
way of reply," said Aunt Edith, turning the 
leaves of a volume of Bancroft. She read: 
" Heralds on swift relays of horses transmitted 
the war-message from hand to hand, till village 
repeated it to village, the sea to the backwoods, 
the plains to the highlands, till it had been 
borne north, south, east, and west. It broke 
the rest of the trappers of New Hampshire, and, 
ringing like bugle-notes from peak to peak, 
overleaped the Green Mountains, swept onward 
to Montreal, and descended the ocean river to 
the cUffs of Quebec. The hills along the Hud- 
son told to one another the tale. As the sum- 
mons hurried south it was one day at New 
York ; in one more at Philadelphia ; the next 
it lighted a watch-fire at Baltimore ; thence it 

waked an answer at Annapolis. Crossing the 
10 



148 Tnie Stories of the American Fathers. 

Potomac near Mount Vernon, it was sent for- 
ward to William sburgh. Still onward, through 
the boundless groves of evergreen, to Wilming- 
ton, North Carolina. Patriots of South Caro- 
lina caught up its tones and dispatched it to 
Charleston, and through pines, and palmettoes, 
and moss-clad live-oaks, still further south be- 
yond the Savannah. The Blue Ridge took up 
the voice and made it heard through the Valley 
of Virginia ; the Alleghanies, as they listened, 
opened their barriers that the 'loud call' might 
pass through to the hardy riflemen on the Hol- 
ston and the French Broad. It breathed its 
inspiring word to the first settlers of Kentucky, 
and the hunters in the vvatchless valley of the 
Elkhorn named their encampment Lexington." 

"Isn't that grand!" said Harry, waving his 
handkerchief with one hand and gesticulating 
with the other. 

" O, certainly," said Albert. " You mean, 
* Give me liberty or give me death ! ' " 

" Yes, that's it. I'm obliged to you. That's 
my present sentiments." 

"You are entirely welcomcy Mr. Buncombe. 
Now, pleascj come to order." Aunt Edith con- 
tinued : " New England had silently in her 
heart declared war, and Yankee invention was 
busy as to the best way of making it. The men 



Second Congress— General Washington. 1 49 

of Connecticut, looking northward toward Can- 
ada, reflected that England would without doubt 
plan a rear attack upon them by way of that 
province. How would they come, Albert ?" 

" Down Lakes Champlain and George to the 
Hudson River, I suppose." 

" Yes, right into the very heart of the colo- 
nies. This was very much to be dreaded. 
When France owned Canada she had fortified 
two points between the Lakes George and 
Champlain ; whoever held these posts com- 
manded the pass into the colonies. The En- 
glish had won them by hard fighting from the 
French, and they were now held by small gar- 
risons of English soldiers. The assembly of 
Connecticut reflected that in the event of a war 
these garrisons would be strengthened by fresh 
forces, and in secret council they determined to 
send a detachment to seize those places at once, 
especially as they contained large quantities of 
arms and cannon, of which the Americans had 
great need. The assembly therefore voted one 
thousand eight hundred dollars to defray the 
expenses of the expedition, and appointed Colo- 
nels Eaton and Allen to command it. Not a 
moment was to be lost. The troops assembled 
on the shore of Lake George. Albert, you can 
show the children the course by your map. 



150 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

They were mostly from Vermont, and were 
called * Green Mountain Boys ' — hardy fellows 
who had slept many a time on 'a bear-skin, 
with a roll of snow for a pillow.' They posted 
sentinels, who were charged to observe strict 
silence. Rapid marching brought them to the 
lake-shore, opposite the fortress of Ticonderoga, 
one nightfall. They did not sleep, but em- 
ployed the night in crossing the lake with muf- 
fled oars. At gray dawn they scaled the walls, 
and sent up a shout of triumph on the still 
morning air. They seized the guns from the 
hands of the astonished sentinels ; there was a 
short scuffle and the garrison submitted. The 
commander appeared, rubbing his sleepy eyes, 
and, to his inquiry, * What does this mean } ' 
Colonel Allen replied, * You are the prisoner of 
America.* *By what authority.?' pleaded the 
officer. ' In the name of the great Jehovah 
and the Continental Congress,' answered Allen. 
This was on the tenth of May, 1775. 

"The Green Mountain Boys did not tarry 
long, but advanced to Crown Point and took it 
in the same unceremonious manner. They 
seized the only English war-vessel at that time 
on the lake, and going down the lake to Wood 
Creek took a small fort named Skeenesborough. 
Besides the possession of these important points, 



Second Congress — General Washington. 151 

which they garrisoned, they obtained one hun- 
dred and twenty pieces of cannon, besides mor- 
tars and ammunition of all kinds, part of which 
they dragged overland to the camp before Bos- 
ton, where it was much needed. The British 
army and fleet now began to be straitened for 
provisions. The American farmers would not 
sell to them, and the American soldiers watched 
them so closely that they could not steal any 
thing. Their stores were exhausted ; it was a 
long distance to bring one's dinner, three thou- 
sand miles across the ocean, often against con- 
trary winds and tides." 

, "What a pity King George didn't consider 
that before he undertook this war!" exclaimed 
Albert. 

" Unfortunately, King George was not the 
only king who forgot the Scripture admonition 
to count the cost before going upon a warfare. 
But to continue. The reinforcements they had 
been expecting from England had now arrived, 
in charge of three of the most distinguished 
generals the British army could boast — Generals 
Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne. They had at 
command ten thousand well-disciplined English 
regulars. The shame of Lexington and Con- 
cord remained to be wiped from the British 
name ; moreover it was becoming necessary to 



152 True Stories of the Ar/ierican Fathers. 

break through the American lines to obtain 
forage and provisions for their army. An at- 
tack was planned by the officers, but upon 
reconnoitering their positions the Americans 
were found so strongly posted, and standing so 
well upon their guard, that the British general 
declined to risk a failure, which would be very 
depressing to his cause at this time. He con- 
tented himself with standing upon the defen- 
sive. Not so the Americans. They continued 
to advance and fortify. One * sun-down,' un- 
perceived by the British, they took possession 
of a hill that commanded both the city and har- 
bor of Boston. All the night through, the brave 
New Englanders plied their picks and spades, 
and by daybreak had constructed quite a strong 
earthwork. About five o'clock in the morning 
the commander of one of the war-vessels per- 
ceived the mischievous work, and ordered his 
artillery to play upon it. This roused the offi- 
cers. Looking through their glasses, they could 
scarcely believe their own eyes. If it came to 
successful completion they would be compelled 
to leave Boston themselves, instead of driving 
away the Americans. They promptly ordered 
the artillery of the city, the fleet, and all the 
floating batteries to a furious fire, notwithstand- 
ing which, the Americans continued injiustri- 



Seco7id Congress — General Washington. 153 

ously dodging and digging all day long. At 
night, the enemy's fire lacked aim and did little 
damage, while the Americans did much work. 
By morning the earthen fort was formidable, 
and the British general ordered an assault. 
Bunker's Hill stood just outside of Charlestown, 
a village of wooden houses. This village was 
ordered to be set on fire, that the troops might 
advance to the assault with more safety under 
cover of the smoke. They came up slowly and 
cautiously, the flames of the burning town not 
helping them at all, as an 'ill wind' blew the 
smoke where it was not wanted. The Ameri- 
cans, having no powder to waste, waited till the 
British were well in reach, then leveling their 
muskets for slow and sure aim they sent their 
first discharge into the advancing lines. Re- 
loading quickly they sent another. It was too 
hot for British courage ; they wavered and fell 
back in confusion, the ground strewed thickly 
with the dead and wounded. Their officers ran 
hither and thither with promises, orders, and 
threats. At last they rallied them, and once 
more they advanced to the assault. The same 
scene was repeated ; they could not stand such 
a storm of well-sent bullets, and this time they 
retreated back to their boats. But General 
Howe, seeing the ill-fortune of the dav, had 



154 Tnie Stones of the American Fathers. 

hastened to lead fresh reinforcements to their 
support. With desperate efforts the men ral- 
lied for a third attack, which was well planned, 
and led in person by General Howe. The pow- 
der of the Americans was at the last charge; 
they delivered it, and for awhile after beat back 
the British lines with the butt-end of their 
muskets. Meantime a furious fire from all the 
guns of the fleet had broken and uncovered 
their earthworks, besides making it impossible 
for any reinforcements of men or powder to 
reach them. They had done all that men could 
do, and the signal of retreat was given. They 
made an admirable and orderly retreat, and 
escaped with little loss as they had fought be- 
hind intrenchments. 

"The victory was dearly bought by the En- 
glish. Their loss in men and officers was fright- 
ful ; they were unable to pursue the Americans, 
and thus the victory was a barren and unprofit- 
able one. The brave defense made and the 
little loss suffered by the Americans left the 
glory with them, while the position gained was 
only one more point to defend, and brought no 
positive advantage to the British cause. From 
Bunker's Hill, June 17, 1775, the question was 
answered whether or not the Americans could 
and would fight. This answer was duly reported 



Second Congress — General Washington. 155 

by General Howe to the British Parliament and 
King George. 

" Meantime the second American Congress 
had convened at Philadelphia in May, and were 
forced to recognize the Revolution as begun 
and the country at war with England. They 
still disclaimed any intention of independence 
or separation from the mother country, but 
declared their firm purpose of maintaining their 
rights with arms in their hands. They added, 
however, that whenever the king and parlia- 
ment would signify their willingness to repeal 
al]^ their tyrannical and unreasonable acts, and 
give them guarantees for the future, at that mo- 
ment they would lay down their arms." 

"Pshaw!" said Harry, contemptuously, "what 
was the use of wasting their valuable time pow- 
wowing with a simpleton like King George.-^" 

" Softly, my boy ; it becomes the dignity of a 
great nation, carrying the destinies of millions, 
always to act slowly and deliberately. Haste, 
impulse, we can forgive in the individual, but 
not in the nation. The fathers were wise men. 
They knew that a good cause can always bide 
its time and lose nothing by so doing. Some 
of them — eagle-eyed, far-sighted men, like Sam- 
uel Adams, of Massachusetts, and Thomas 
Jefferson, of Virginia;- men of intuition like 



156 True Stories uf the A^nericaii Fathers, 

Patrick Henry, and Gadsden, of South Caro- 
lina — doubtless saw the end from the beginning ; 
but the many did not — indeed, were not ready 
for it. Revolutions always accomplish more 
than their leaders intend. Men start revolu- 
tions and then cannot arrest them. God shapes 
their ends to his high purposes. Virginia, New 
England, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and South 
Carolina were in advance of some of the other 
colonies. Our fathers thought it was well to 
wait until the others came up with them in 
opinion. They must move abreast with one 
heart and one step. They adopted ' new views ' 
as soon as they recognized them as the * true 
views' for the hour. Nevertheless, they did at 
this time exercise the sovereign powers of a 
nation. They established a general post-office 
system from Maine to Georgia ; they prepared 
a currency and issued bills of credit to defray 
the national expenses ; they organized a conti- 
nental army, to be composed of regiments re- 
cruited in all the various colonies, and elected 
George Washington, of Virginia, commander- 
in-chief of the American army." 

**Hail to the Chief!" said Albert, bowing 
low. 

'* See, the conquering hero comes ! " echoed 
Harry, 



Se607id Congress — General Washington. 157 

" Now we'll not want for a hero," added Nan- 
nie, " all the rest of the way." 

" I don't think we have wanted for one yet," 
said Stevey. 

" Do you know any thing about him, my little 
Stevey," said Aunt Edith. 

" Not much," answered the child, " but I think 
you* told me once about little George, a brave 
boy who never told a lie." 

" The very same, Stevey. He was grown to 
manhood now. His country trusted him above 
all his fellows. She called him to her altar, 
placed her hopes, her liberties, and her destinies 
in his hands, and charged him to keep them 
safe from harm. He had grown up without 
masters, and with little learning except what 
he had acquired himself Two facts in his boy- 
hood I want you to notice. Whatever he under- 
took of study, play, or work was thoroughly, 
faithfully done, up to its highest capability. He 
kept the society of the wisest and best people 
he could find. He held himself loftily, even as 
a boy ; there was something grand and kingly 
in his air and manner, as if some vision of his 
future station mingled with his boyish dreams. 
The truthfulness of boyhood ripened into the 
integrity of manhood, until it became the law 
of his nature ; so that one says of him, ' a planet 



158 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

would sooner have shot from its sphere than he 
have departed from his uprightness.' He prized 
and loved truth above all else, and gave himself 
to its service with a single eye. Here the words 




WASHINGTON. 



of the Divine Master find a fulfillment : * If thine 
eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of 
light.* Washington. approached as near to in- 
fallibility as it is possible for humanity to do. 
He made few mistakes ; clear and far-sighted, 
he saw what was best to be done, how much it 
was possible to do, and did not attempt the ira- 



Second Congress — General Washington. 159 

possible. Other men were brave as he, still 
others were more learned than he, or endowed 
with more conspicuous gifts, but none were so 
wise, so skillful, so sure, so unerring. His eye 
was single, his aim was single. He lived to 
serve the truth, and the God of truth gave him 
light without measure. His whole being, all 
his faculties, stood in divine illumination. Chil- 
dren, he honored God by trusting him ; in the 
darkest hour of his country's fortunes he never 
despaired. He believed her cause was just, and 
that the God of justice would ordain her triumph 
in his own good time. All the world came to 
believe in and honor Washington. It is re- 
marked that no man who ever lived * had in so 
great a degree the faculty to command the con- 
fidence of his fellow-men and rule the willing. 
Wherever he became known — in his family, in 
his neighborhood, his county, his native State, 
the whole continent, in camp, in civil life, among 
the common people, in foreign courts, through- 
out the civilized world, and even among savages 
— he, beyond all other men, had the confidence 
of his kind.' 

" He had been for many years in the military 
service of his native State, and had won good 
reputation as a soldier — his name, indeed, had 
crossed the ocean, and he was spoken of at the 



l6o True Stones of the American Fathers. 

British court as * the brave Colonel Washington/ 
In the French War he had served under British 
officers. He was with Bradddock, who suffered 
a disastrous defeat because he was too proud to 
take young Colonel Washington's advice, and 
after Braddock's death Washington's skill pre- 
served and brought off the army from what 
seemed utter destruction. Indeed, Washington, 
all through his career, showed his highest gen- 
ius in repairing the errors of others, and saving 
a cause in spite of the mistakes of its friends 
and the assaults of its enemies. He did not 
seek the high honor that was conferred on him, 
neither did he desire it. He accepted it as a 
duty. He well knew the toils and perils that 
lay before him, that inevitably joined themselves 
to this office. He was a man of few words ; 
modest as he was brave ; noble in form and 
feature, eyes of blue, tender in expression, even 
to sadness, they say. "Patrick Henry, who sat 
beside him when it was announced that the 
vote electing him was unanimous, says that a 
tear glistened in his eye as he rose from his 
seat, and, after refusing all pay beyond his ex- 
penses, said, *As the Congress desire it I will 
enter upon the momentous duty, and exert 
every power I possess in their service and for 
the support of the glorious cause. But I beg it 



Second Congress — General Washijigton. \6i 

may be remembered by every gentleman in the 
room that I this day declare, with the utmost 
sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the 
command I am honored with.' 

" His instructions were to repair immediately 
to the camp before Boston. At a farewell 
supper the members of Congress rose as they 
drank a health * to the commander-in-chief of 
the American army;' to his thanks they list- 
ened in silence, for the sense of the difficulties 
which lay before him suppressed every festal 
cheer. To his wife, whose miniature he wore 
on his heart from the day of his marriage to his 
death, he wrote saying, ' I hope my undertaking 
this service is designed to answer a good pur- 
pose. I rely confidently on Providence.' His 
journey to Boston was a triumphal procession. 
Arriving in camp, he was met with affectionate 
welcome by all the officers. Trumbull, governor 
of Connecticut, wrote him : * Now be strong 
and very courageous, and the God of the armies 
of Israel give you wisdom and fortitude, and 
cover your head in the day of battle.' 

" Congress continued its deliberations. It 
recommended to each colony that all men able 
to bear arms, between the ages of sixteen and 
fifty, should be enrolled in companies, furnish 
themselves with arms, and exercise in their use. 



1 62 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

Every-where the request became a law, and 
was obeyed with alacrity. Our Revolutionary 
mothers with their own hands embroidered the 
colors with patriotic mottoes, and presented 
them to the regiments with words of encourage- 
ment. They were also advised to foster the 
manufacture of all materials and implements of 
war, for war was now the business of the nation. 
What was no less important, the Congress ap- 
plied themselves to establish and give shape 
and permanence to their own authority, as the 
visible executor of the will of the American 
people. For this purpose they drew up what 
they called 'Articles of Confederation of the 
United Colonies of America.' While each colo- 
ny was to preserve its authority over its own 
local concerns, this congress of their deputies 
was to exercise supreme authority in all that 
concerned the general interests of all the colo- 
nies. For instance. Congress was to make 
war or peace for all ; contract alliances and 
hold intercourse with foreign nations ; regulate 
commerce ; control the mint ; direct the move- 
ments of the army in council with its general-in- 
chief ; and appoint all the officers of the conti- 
nental army and foreign embassadors. No single 
colony had the right to do these things. The 
expenses of the war and of the Congress were 



Second Congress — General Washington. 163 

to be paid from a public treasury, which was 
to be filled from each colony according to the 
number of its male inhabitants. There was 
also elected a council of twelve which should 
execute all the laws of Congress when that 
body was not in session ; for in time of war 
there always occur sudden emergencies that 
must be met at the moment — vexing questions 
that must have immediate answer. These arti- 
cles were submitted to the different colonies for 
their approval. Congress also ordered that a 
detachment of the army under Generals Schuy- 
ler and Montgomery should invade Canada, 
taking possession of Montreal and Quebec, and 
invite the Canadians to join them in resisting 
British tyranny. This might be called a meas- 
ure of defense, because the British General 
Carleton was endeavoring to enlist the Canadi- 
ans to invade our territory and retake the Forts 

Ticonderoga and Crown Point." 
11 



164 True Stories of the American Fathers. 




CHAPTER XII. 

The Canadian Expedition — Richard Montgomery. 

LL aboard for Canada!" was Harry's 
salutation this evening. Albert had 
wheeled up the lounge toward Aunt 
Edith, so that Stevey might lie comfortably and 
listen. Little Grace was curled up at the other 
end of the lounge with her kitten in her lap, for 
she had learned to sit quite still while the talk 
flowed over her young head. 

** All aboard for Canada ! " repeated Aunt 
Edith. " We can easily say that, Harry, beside 
this bright winter fire, with our comfortable 
surroundings ; wait until I draw the picture of 
our brave Revolutionary soldiers marching bare- 
foot and half-clothed through Canadian snow- 
drifts, and we shall be able to measure the 
long distance betv*^een reading or talking about 
heroes and being heroes ourselves. Generals 
Schuyler and Montgomery were ordered to as- 
semble their forces at a point on Lake Cham- 
plain. Here General Schuyler fell ill and was 
obliged to return home, leaving the expedition, 
its dangers and glories, to the youthful Mont- 




Montgomery's Expedition into Canad; 



Canadian Expedition — Montgomery. 167 

gomery. He was a man of great military ex- 
perience for his years ; full of gifts, graces, and 
accomplishments ; one of the most admired and 
beloved of the Revolutionary heroes. The order 
to take charge of the Canadian expedition 
reached him in his beautiful home on the banks 
of the Hudson, where with his young wife, 
whom he tenderly loved, he had settled, hoping 
for quiet years of domestic happiness in a home 
adorned with every refinement. But Mont- 
gomery loved honor more than life, and liberty 
more than happiness. He obeyed the call of 
his country. Albert, take your map and show 
the children the Sorel River, which joins Lake 
Champlain and the River St. Lawrence. Do 
you see any forts named there } " 

" Yes, aunty," said Nannie, " Fort St. John 
and Fort Chambly." 

" Since the Americans had taken Forts Ticon- 
deroga and Crown Point the English had much 
strengthened these forts, especially St. John, as 
they were the only remaining defenses of Can- 
ada on that line. It was necessary to take it 
by siege. As soon as Montgomery's little band, 
not more than one thousand in number, were 
armed and equipped, their gallant commander 
led them on until they came near Fort St. John, 
when they proceeded to invest it." 



1 68 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

"What does that mean, aunty?" asked little 
Alice. 

" Albert, will you tell us how it is done ? " 

" Sometimes by taking positions on hills or 
eminences outside the fort and mounting can- 
non to bear on it, sometimes by digging trenches 
until approaches are made near enough to make 
a final assault." 

"Yes, that's it. This fort was well armed 
and garrisoned, and its capture was a work of 
time. Hearing that Fort St. John was thus 
closely besieged, the British General Carleton 
came with a large force, intending to engage 
Montgomery in battle outside and thus relieve 
the fort, or, as military men call it, raise the 
siege. But Montgomery was ready to receive 
him. Carleton suffered a defeat and retreated 
with great loss. Montgomery proceeded with 
the siege. Fort Chambly being feebly garri- 
soned, he had dispatched a small number who 
surprised and captured it ; this afforded him a 
further supply of cannon and ammunition. The 
provisions of the garrison of St. John were now 
nearly exhausted. Montgomery's trenches were 
near enough for the assault ; he therefore sent a 
summons to the commander to surrender and 
thus save further bloodshed, informing him also 
of Carleton's defeat. Seeing no hope of succor 



Canadian Expedition — Montgomery, 169 

from any quarter, he accepted Montgomery's 
terms and surrendered the post. The colors 
taken from the English were presented to Con- 
gress. Leaving a garrison to hold the fort, 
Montgomery hastened on toward Montreal. 
So rapid were his movements and so well- 
planned his attack, that General Carleton, after 
a slight resistance, fled in disguise to Quebec. 
The city capitulated, and many vessels and 
naval stores fell to the victors. Montgomery's 
object was to make friends of the Canadians 
and induce them to join the cause of the 
Colonies. Though they did not do this, yet 
they received the Americans kindly, and sup- 
plied them and their army with all that they 
needed. The news of this brilliant train of 
victories spread over the land. Montgomery's 
praises were on every tongue, and Congress 
voted him the thanks of the nation. But the 
young soldier's heart was sad. After leaving 
garrisons at Chambly, St. John, and Montreal, 
he found himself with only three hundred ef- 
fective men left him to attempt the capture of 
Quebec, which was, by natural position and 
military art, the most strongly fortified city in 
America. A Canadian winter was upon them, 
and their perils and hardships had but just 
commenced. Sad presentiments chilled Mont- 



I/O True Stories of the American Fathers. 

gomery's heart. He often thought of his peace- 
ful home in the bosom of the hills, the loving 
wife sitting in her loneliness there. He would 
have bartered all the glory he had won for one 
hour at that hearthstone. Should he ever see 
it again ? 

"Washington had forseen the situation in 
which Montgomery would find himself, and, 
knowing that without the capture of Quebec 
the expedition (the object of which was the 
conquest of Canada) would be a failure, had 
dispatched a column from his own camp near 
Boston to penetrate the State of Maine and 
come out into Canada at Quebec. He even 
hoped that they would reach it in time to 
surprise and take it while Montgomery was 
operating against Montreal. If not,, they were 
to await his coming and operate with him. 
This force consisted of ten companies of New 
England infantry, one of Virginia riflemen un- 
der the brave Morgan, and two companies of 
Pennsylvanians. In all the records of ancient 
or modern valor I have read nothing equal to 
this wrestle of heroism and endurance with 
toil and suffering. Let us follow these noble 
soldiers on the map. They were to sail up the 
Kennebec River as far as navigable, then they 
were to take flat-boats, which Washington 



Catiadian Expedition — MoJitgomery, 171 

had ordered to be constructed for their use ; 
thence up the Dead River, a branch of the 
Kennebec. After that their path lay through 
an uninhabited wilderness until they came to 
the sources of the Canadian River, called the 
Chaudiere, which empties itself into the St. 
Lawrence River quite near Quebec." 

" It looks tolerably easy by the map," said 
Albert. 

*' Yes, by the map ; but as they advanced up 
the Kennebec the stream became rapid and 
violent over its rocky bed ; often they could 
not row, but had to drag their heavily-laden 
boats up the swift current, waist deep. It was 
winter, remember ; the mountains were covered 
with snow and the waters at a deadly chill. 
Beds of rock, falls and rapids, often forbade the 
passage of their boats at all. They had to be 
unloaded, arms, ammunition, baggage and pro- 
visions, and the boats themselves carried by 
the men through tiresome pathless forests 
until the stream would bear their boats again. 
Leaving the Kennebec, they dragged every 
thing over a rough mountain-ridge and through 
swamps and bogs, sinking knee-deep, to the 
Dead River. Their course now lay up this 
river for eighty-three miles, and no less than 
seventeen times, because of falls and rapids, 



172 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

they were forced to unload their boats and 
carry them, as I have before described. Win- 
ter winds howled around them ; their shoes 
were gone ; briers and rocks had torn their 
clothes from their backs ; storms drenched 
them ; they had no shelter at night, except 
what they made with the boughs of trees ; 
their provisions were nearly gone ; famine and 
death marched with them, until they were 
forced to kill their faithful dogs that had fol- 
lowed their masters' steps into the wilderness. 
But the love of liberty and their country kept 
its flame alive on the altar of their hearts and 
they toiled on. They had dragged their boats 
one hundred and eighty miles of the journey ; 
they had carried them on their shoulders with 
all their contents, forty miles, through frightful 
thickets, ragged mountains, and knee-deep bogs, 
till at last they reached the Chaudiere, which 
goes foaming down its rocky bed at too rapid a 
gpeed ; for it whirled over three of their boats, 
9.nd they lost much of the stores and ammuni- 
tion which they had brought so far with so 
much labor. They were nearing their jour- 
ney's end, and the first French Canadians who 
gaw them wondered if they had fallen from the 
clouds. Arnold had sent forward several let- 
ters to Montgomery by the hands of friendly 



Canadian Expedition — Montgomery. 173 

Indians to apprise him of his coming. Unfor- 
tunately, these letters were intercepted." 

"O don't tell us that," said Harry, with a 
world of vexation in his face. 

" Yes, but for this it was very possible that 
Arnold's brave heroes, worn and tattered as 
they were, coming suddenly upon the garrison, 
might have surprised and carried the defenses 
of the city ; but the British strengthened their 
works and stood well upon their guard. Arnold 
bravely offered them battle outside the fort, but 
they did not accept it, and he was forced to 
march away some miles and wait for Mont- 
gomery's arrival. It was a glad day when their 
eyes caught the first sight of the American 
colors borne by Montgomery's men. There 
was a joyful meeting of friends in that far-off 
winter-land. Montgomery had brought them 
woolen clothing and boots ; he also gave them 
words of cheer and encouragement for their 
almost superhuman achievements. Counting 
their little band, those who remained to Mont- 
gomery after battle, siege, and assault, and those 
who remained to Arnold from the perils of the 
wilderness, they amounted to a few less than 
one thousand, including two companies of 
Canadians. This handful of men appeared iu 
mid-winter before Quebec, defended by two 



1 74 True Stories of the Avteriean Fathers. 

hundred pieces of cannon and a garrison of 
twice their number, well provisioned. Mont- 
gomery spoke hopefully to his men, but in his 
heart he carried a weight of despair. To re- 
turn without taking Quebec was to throw away 
all the brave work he had done. Congress ex- 
pected it ; the nation waited for it. A soldier's 
fame is dear to him as life ; to a patriot the 
cause of his country is above all else. No 
time was to be lost ; the rigors of winter 
were becoming intolerable, and the sufferings 
of the men were beyond endurance. Two dis- 
eases attacked the camp, small-pox and home- 
sickness." 

" Poor fellows ! " said Nannie, the tears stand- 
ing in her eyes. " Dear aunty, what did put 
it into their heads to go in the winter V 

" Sure enough," added Albert. " You said 
Washington never made mistakes, but that 
seemed very much like one." 

"They did not choose the winter, but they 
accepted it as a necessity. England had no 
army in Canada at this time, in the spring she 
would have. It was now or never for the cap- 
ture of Canada ; moreover. Congress ordered 
the Canadian expedition ; being ordered, Wash- 
ington contributed to the best of his ability to 
its success. Montgomery and Arnolcj used 



Canadian Expedition — Montgomery. 175 

every honorable provocation to induce General 
Carleton to come out of his defenses and fight ; 
they would then have had a fair chance of suc- 
cess. But the British general thought ' pru- 
dence the better part of valor. ' Finding all 
his efforts unavailing, Montgomery said, * To 
the storming we must come at last. ' 

" The year was growing old, but a few days 
remaining of 1775. The term of enlistment 
of most of the men expired with it. The 
generals planned for a night assault. * The 
night of the 26th of December was clear, and 
so cold that no man could handle his arms or 
scale a wall. The 27th was hazy, and the troops 
were put in motion ; but the sky cleared, and 
Montgomery, tender of their lives, called them 
back and waited for a night of clouds and dark- 
ness, with a storm of wind and snow.' 

" On the thirtieth, the New Year s eve, a 
north-east snow-storm set in. The troops were 
divided for attack at different points, Mont- 
gomery reserving the post of danger for him- 
self Two of the attacks were to be mere pre- 
tenses, to draw attention from the real points, 
which were to be assaulted by Arnold on one 
side and Montgomery on the other. The snow 
had changed to driving hail that cut the men's . 
eyes and faces ; they advanced with heads 



iy6 Tnie Stories of the American Fathers. 

down and their guns under their coats to keep 
them dry. A braver man than Arnold never 
led men to battle. They assailed their point 
of attack with the greatest fury. A musket- 
ball in his leg disabled Arnold early in the 
action, and he was borne to the rear. Morgan 
took command, and cheering on his men with 
words of victory, they carried the battery and 
took its defenders prisoners, though with great 
loss of life. He held for a time the lower part 
of the town, and there they waited and watched 
for the promised signals from Montgomery's 
side. 

" He with three hundred men and his two 
aids, MacPherson and Cheeseman, two gallant 
young soldiers, took their course along a steep 
and rocky path, made so slippery and danger- 
ous by the frozen snow and hail that it was a 
constant effort to keep their feet. On they 
went, Montgomery opening the path thtbugh 
the snow with his own hands. A battery in- 
tercepted their path — it must be taken. Mont- 
gomery ordered them to 'double-quick,' himself 
leading, with the words, * Come on, brave boys, 
you will not fear to follow where your general 
leads.' A flash, a * well-served cannon dis- 
charge,' Montgomery, MacPherson, and Cheese- 
nian fall dead. The drifted snow was the 



Canadian Expedition — Montgomery. 177 

winding-sheet of the beautiful and brave on 
the morning of the New Year 1776, before the 
gates of Quebec. Seeing their leaders fall, the 
men had no courage to advance over their dead 
bodies. They retreated. Morgan and his men 
waited on the other side of the town for the 
signals, which, alas ! they should never see. 
They waited too long. The enemy, released 
from defending other points, surrounded and 
took them prisoners. To Genera] Carleton's 
praise be it spoken, the bodies of the noble 
fallen received burial with all the honors of 
war. Montgomery had fought under England's 
banner in his youth, and had even then won a 
name for honor and valor. When the news of 
his death reached England, the ' great defend- 
ers of liberty in the British Parliament vied 
with each other in his praise,' and wept as they 
pronounced his eulogy. Washington bewailed 
his loss, for he loved him as a brother. All 
over the land men wept as for a ' heart friend.' 
Congress, 'desiring to transmit to future ages 
an example of patriotism, boldness of enter- 
prise, and contempt of danger and death, reared 
a monument of marble to the glory of Richard 
Montgomery.' 

" But the bitterest tears were shed in that 
pleasant home amid the hills of Hudson ; a 



178 True Stories of tite American Fathers. 

grief was there for which earth had no balm, 
for Montgomery's wife took no other love in 
his stead. Years after the toils of war had 
passed, Washington kept state in the city of 
New York as first President of the Repub- 
lic for which Montgomery had died, and for 
which Washington had lived. It is related 




RICHARD MONTGOMERY. 



that on reception-days *it was the custom for 
the secretaries and gentlemen of the household 
to hand ladies to and from their carriages ; but 
when the honored widow of Montgomery came, 
the President himself performed these compli- 
mentary duties.' " 

The little group sat silent for a moment, and 



Canadian Expedition — Montgomery. . 1 79 

Albert said, " I can't help thinking, aunty, that 
it was a great mistake for them to undertake 
this expedition." 

" If we consider it as a piece of offensive 
warfare, perhaps it was, though the cause of 
failure seemed to be the accident of Mont- 
gomery's death at the critical moment ; for it 
was afterward found that the battery was 
served only by a handful of men, and if Mont- 
gomery had not fallen its capture would have 
been an easy matter. He without whom the 
sparrow does not fall gave the final orders. 
We 'rough hew' our destinies, but He 'shapes' 
them as he wills. It would doubtless have been 
better if they had stood upon their defense, in- 
stead of entering a neutral province, and had 
contented themselves with putting strong gar- 
risons into the forts on the Lakes, on our own 
territory, thus keeping the doors into Canada 
well locked on this side. No success attended 
them afterward, though Congress, against 
Washington's advice, continued their efforts to 
accomplish their designs there. War is a hor- 
rible wickedness, and includes every form of 
suffering and wrong. It is unmitigated bar- 
barism from beginning to end, except indefense 
of a just cause. In that case we are com- 
manded to 'resist unto blood,' and every man 



i8o True Stories of the American Fathers. 

who lays down his Ufe fairly earns the name 
of martyr. 

"Montgomery gave his life to win for us 
those civil and religious liberties which have 
made our country ' the glory of all lands.' The 
hero keeps his quiet, unbroken slumber in the 
grave-yard of St. Paul's Church, New York, 
just a step aside from Broadway. Of all the 
busy, toiling, hurrying millions that yearly pass 
and repass above the sacred dust, how many 
pause to lay upon his grave the chaplet of a 
grateful memory.?" 



^^CWv 



British Leave Boston — Attack Charleston. 1 8 1 



CHAPTER XIII. 

King George's Troops ask Washington's Leave to go 
out of Boston— The British next pay their Respects 
to Charleston, and are Inhospitably Received, by 
Moultrie behind Palmetto Logs. 

JjT/gET us visit this evening, children, the 
j^ camp near Boston, where Washing- 
ton had remained apparently inactive, 
though not really so. The terms of enlistment 
of most of the men had expired, and he had 
in fact recruited and disciplined a new army. 
This sore evil of short enlistments was one of 
the chief difficulties that beset Washington at 
every step throughout the war, and which he 
never could prevail on Congress altogether to 
remedy. For months the farmers of New 
England had fed this army by contributions. 
This, however, could not last. Washington 
had organized his army in its commissariat, 
though the want of money still left it far from 
perfect. Worst of all, they lacked ammunition, 
particularly powder, of which they had only 
about one hundred barrels. This fact the 

Geneial was most careful to conceal, lest their 
12 



1 82 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

enemies should avail themselves of it ; and 
though Congress had more than once signified 
its desire that the army should assume the 
offensive, yet Washington was obliged to re- 
main inactive, without giving the cause of his 
inactivity, and was thus compelled to stand 
open to the censure of his countrymen. He 
was simply waiting for the auspicious moment, 
more careful of the cause he served than of 
his own reputation. The British army was 
nine thousand strong, comfortably stowed in 
winter-quarters in Boston city, chiefly busy in 
inventing amusements for passing the time. 
They had established a riding-school in the 
old South Meeting-house, and a theater in 
Fanueil Hall, where the officers appeared as 
actors on the stage. They had no thought of 
danger and expected to stay until spring, when 
they were to take possession of New York by 
the aid of large reinforcements brought from 
England. Washington had thus far failed to 
draw them out of their intrenchments for open 
battle ; his own force and military supplies 
were not sufficient to warrant him in attacking 
them behind their works. In council with his 
officers, it was at last decided to take posses- 
sion of Dorchester Hills, south of Boston, and 
fortify them. This would compel them either 



British Leave Boston — Attack Charleston. 1 83 

to corne out and fight or to evacuate the city 
and harbor. 

" The night appointed was favorable. Prep- 
arations down to the minutest detail had been 
completed. Every man knew his place and 
his task. Washington had, for two nights 
previously, ordered a cannonade of the town 
in order to divert attention. This night the 
bombardment was as furious as they could 
make it ; they wanted all the noise possible. 
A party of eight hundred as guard led the pro- 
cession to the heights ; next followed twelve 
hundred workmen with carts full of intrench- 
ing tools. The ground was frozen too hard to 
afford earth defenses, but the General had pro- 
vided for this. A train of three hundred carts 
were coming and going all night, bringing 
bundles of screwed hay and other substitutes. 
A west wind came also very kindly to their 
assistance, carrying all the sounds of the work- 
men away from the town ; and the very moon 
itself, then at full, while she gave them ample 
light to work by, hung a hazy vail round the 
hills, as if to screen them from too curious 
observation. Washington stood through the 
night hours among his faithful workmen, watch- 
ing the ceaseless labor of their hands growing 
into formidable defenses for American liberties 



184 True Stories of the American Fathers, 

His heart was full of hope, hope that grew into 
joy, for he saw that every thing contributed to 
the success of his plans. Below him, under the 
full moon, lay the sleeping town, its sleeping 
soldiery, and its unsuspecting general, who 
might indeed have had his dreams broken by 
the incessant roar of cannon, but composed 
himself again to slumber, without a thought of 
danger for the morrow. While he took his last 
morning nap, the dawning day revealed to the 
astonished sentinels the frowning redoubts that 
crowned the brows of Dorchester Heights. 
Howe could scarcely believe that either his 
eyes or his glasses told the truth. He and his 
officers met in council. He told them that it 
must have been the work of at least twelve 
hundred men. His officers told him that 'it 
recalled the wonderful stories in Eastern ro- 
mance of enchantment and the invisible agency 
of fairy hands.' The old sailor Admiral Shuld- 
ham, who commanded the squadron in the har- 
bor, sent word to Howe that if they retained 
possession of the heights he could not keep a 
ship in the harbor. An assault or the evacua- 
tion was the alternative. The first was chosen. 
Lord Percy was to lead it, but the men remem- 
bered Bunker Hill and showed no enthusiasm. 
While they still debated, a violent storm set in 



British L eave Boston — A ttack Charleston, 185 

and they could do nothing. It prevented them 
from landing troops from their boats, but did 
not prevent our New England farmers from 
toiling, and strengthening their works until 
Howe dared not attempt the assault. His 
mortification and that of his officers was un- 
speakable. * One combination, concerted with 
faultless ability and suddenly executed, had in 
a few hours made their position untenable ! ' 

" Nothing remained for them but to embark 
and sail away. But now the question was. Would 
Washington, whose artillery commanded the 
harbor, allow them to depart peaceably ? Gen- 
eral Howe humiliated himself to send proposals 
to Washington that he would leave the city 
unharmed provided Washington would suffer 
the fleet, with the troops, to sail out of the 
harbor unmolested. Washington accepted the 
bloodless victory. It was both a choice and a 
necessity with him at all times to spare his men 
and his powder, for of both he always had scant 
supply. A panic seized the British army. They 
precipated their leave-taking, and the citizens 
of Boston from every height, wharf, and hill for 
miles around, beheld with boundless joy the 
long procession of retreating sails. Coming in- 
to Boston, our army found that the British had 
left in their hasty flight two hundred and fifty 



1 86 True Stories of the Americait Fathers, 

pieces of cannon, many of their horses, and 
much forage and clothing. Better than all, for 
many days after, British ships were constantly 
arriving and entering the harbor, thinking to 
find their friends. These ships, with all their 
stores, among which were seven hundred barrels 
of powder, came into American hands. It was 
March 17, 1776. Who shall tell the joy of the 
Bostonians as their friends hurried in, and the 
pining exiles of poverty and want embraced 
those from whom they had been so long sep- 
arated. For Washington what welcome and 
shouts of gratitude rent the air ! The Select- 
men of Boston addressed him thanks in due 
form, * and the chief in reply paid a just tribute 
to their unparalleled fortitude.' *A week later 
Washington attended the Thursday Lecture, 
which had been kept up since the days of Win- 
throp, and all rejoiced with exceeding -joy at 
seeing this New England Zion once more a 
quiet habitation, a tabernacle that should never 
be taken down, of which not one of the stakes 
should ever be removed, nor one of the cords 
be broken ; and as the words were spoken it 
seemed as if the old century was holding out its 
hand to the new, and the Puritan ancestry of 
Massachusetts returned to bless the deliverer 
of their children !' 



British Leave Boston — Attack Charleston. 187 

"Across the ocean, King George and Lord 
North sat moodily in council. The glory of the 
British arms was dimmed. The story of Lex- 
ington, Concord, Bunker Hill, and Boston ran 
over Europe like wild-fire. King Frederick of 
Prussia, the greatest military captain of his age, 
did not stint his courtly compliments of Wash- 
ington and his army of militia; while at the 
court of France American valor was the theme 
of every tongue, and our heroes' names were 
familiar as household words. Affairs were go- 
ing exactly to please the French king and his 
ministers, but they were not yet ready to say 
so openly. Secretly, however, vessels departed 
from French ports, laden with clothing and 
ammunition for the American army. The En- 
glish people were in a state of ferment and 
open animosity against king and parliament ; 
so much so that at one time it was to be feared 
that civil war would flame up in England on 
this American question. 

" In the midst of this state of things parlia- 
ment met. King George and his ministers 
stubbornly stood their ground. Agents again 
presented themselves with further petitions from 
Congress. Parliament refused to recognize an 
envoy from an American Congress. The king 
spurned petitions and petitioners. In vain the 



1 88 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

wisest statesmen of England raised their warn- 
ing voice. Letters and petitions poured in from 
eminent individuals, corporations, and cities. 
In parliament Lord John Cavendish uttered 
these prophetic words : * It is desired to send 
against them numerous armies and formidable 
fleets ; but they are at home surrounded by 
friends and abounding in all things. The En- 
glish are at an immense distance, having for 
enemies climate, winds, seas, and armies. What 
wealth, what treasure will be necessary to sub- 
sist your troops in those distant countries ! Im- 
penetrable forests, inaccessible mountains, will 
serve the Americans in case of disaster as so 
many retreats and fortresses, whence they will 
rush forth upon you anew. You will, therefore, 
be under a constant necessity to conquer or 
die, or, what is worse than death, to fly igno- 
miniously to your ships. They will avail them- 
selves of the knowledge of places which they 
only have to harass the British troops, intercept 
the ways, cut ofl" supplies, surprise outposts, ex- 
haust, consume, and prolong at will the war. 
Imagine not that they will expose themselves to 
the hazard of battles. They will vanquish us by 
fatigue, placed as we shall be at a distance of 
three thousand miles from our country. It will 
be easy for them, impossible for us, to receive 



British Leave Boston — Attack Charleston. 1 89 

continual reinforcements ; the tardy succors that 
arrive to us by the Atlantic will not prevent our 
reverses ; they will learn in our school the use 
of arms and the art of war, and they will event- 
ually give their masters fatal proofs of their 
efficiency/ This prophecy was fulfilled to the 
letter. 

"But wise counsels were lost on king and 
parHament ; the enemies of America had the 
majority. One change, however, was observ- 
able : the Americans were no longer spoken of 
as cowards, but as wily and powerful foes. A 
large army was now to be raised and sent to 
subdue them. Where should it come from "i 
In vain the recruiting officers raised the royal 
standard and beat their drums through the 
cities of England. The English people refused 
to enlist to fight for a bad cause and shed the 
blood of their friends and countrymen. What 
then } They must go abroad and hire soldiers ; 
and King George went round knocking at the 
doors of the European kings begging for help. 

" Did he, indeed, now } " said little Stevey, 
with a curious smile in his childish face. 

" I don't mean that he went in person, Stevey," 
returned Aunt Edith, smiling, "he sent his 
servants in his name, but he does not figure less 
pitiably in history than if he had gone himself. 



1 90 True Stories of the Americaji Fathers. 

He wanted Russia to hire twenty thousand of 
her barbarous warriors ; but Queen Catharine 
declined to send her soldiers so far from home ; 
she might want them in the meantime. Then 
he applied to the United Provinces, but they 
refused. Holland returned for answer that it 
was beneath the dignity of a republic to meddle 
in the struggles of a foreign people for liberty. 
They had better success with the small German 
States, whose princes were generally in straits 
for money. They succeeded in employing here 
about eighteen thousand Hessians, who, to- 
gether with twenty-five thousand English regu- 
lars, were dispatched as soon as possible to 
America. They enlisted some Scotch and Irish, 
and the recruiting officers were charged to en- 
list as many Canadians, Indians, and negroes 
as possible. They hoped by all these means to 
assemble an army of at least fifty thousand. 
They also passed a bill prohibiting all traffic 
with the thirteen colonies, so that no supplies 
of any kind should reach them from England. 
They declared that all American property, 
whether taken in vessels or on shore, should be 
the prizes of the officers and crews of the king's 
ships ; and all prisoners taken, no matter what 
their rank, should serve as common sailors on 
board English vessels. Lastly, no efforts were 



British Leave Boston — Attack Charleston. 1 9 1 

to be spared to break up the hated union of the 
colonies and to disperse the Congress. They 
knew if they could succeed in dividing the colo- 
nies by making mischief between them they 
could conquer them easily ; but if they stood 
together in union they could not accomplish it. 
" You may imagine the wrath and indignation 
which filled the land when this news was re- 
ceived from England. Hireling soldiery, Indian 
savages, negroes, and tories all coming against 
them ! Meantime the captain of a British war- 
vessel had burned a town in Maine, named 
Falmouth, turning his guns upon it without 
warning, out of pure revenge. Lord Dunmore 
had also bombarded and burned Norfolk in 
Virginia, compelling its women and children to 
find shelter in the woods. Both these outrages 
were inexcusable, because they were not done 
during battle, as sometimes occurs without 
intention, but were deliberate acts of cruelty. 
More than all, Lord Dunmore used his efforts 
to promote insurrection among the African 
slaves. This fact was estabHslied beyond doubt, 
and the reason assigned for it was, that by this 
means the planters and farmers now in the 
army would be compelled to return to their 
homes for the defense of their wives and chil- 
dren. This was horrible ; and all these things 



192 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

embittered the minds of the Americans against 
England. The fathers now saw that they could 
never live under English rule again. Washing- 
ton gave his voice for independence. Lee, 
Henry, and Jefferson, of Virginia, all favored it. 
The Adamses and Franklin had long labored 
for it. The New England States, New York, 
and Virginia had all been witness to the horrors 
of war and the inhumanity of British officers 
and soldiers. As if a spur were wanting to 
urge forward the southern provinces to the same 
mind, it was applied just at this time. 

" Dismayed at Yankee valor, the English de- 
termined to test Southern mettle, and we shall 
see how they found it. They hoped, because of 
the open, flat coast, to effect an easy landing and 
conquest of Carolina. The royal governor, who 
had not yet left his province, had assembled 
quite a force of tories. He had also written to 
the ministers of England, encouraging an attack 
on the coast of North Carolina, from which they 
could easily strike a blow, either at Virginia on 
the one hand or ix South Carolina on the other. 
Accordingly, a fleet of eight war-vessels, well 
manned, with fifty transports, carrying General 
Clinton and an army of seven thousand men, 
were dispatched on this errand. The tories of 
North Carolina were ready at the place and 



British L eave Boston — A ttack Charleston. 193 

time appointed ; not so the fleet and their En- 
gUsh friends. They met unfriendly storms that 
beat them about backward when they would 
fain have gone forward, eastward instead of 
westward ; they arrived long after the appointed 
time to find that the tories, whom they expected 
would welcome and co-operate with them as 
guides and friends, had been attacked and dis- 
persed by the patriots. Their first intention 
having thus been frustrated they resolved to 
attack Charleston, which was the hot-bed of 
treason in the South. The southern * Sons of 
Liberty' gathered to its defense from every 
direction. Gadsden and Rutledge were there 
cheering on the people. Not a man but shoul- 
dered his gun or pick and spade. The slaves 
worked beside their masters and did faithful 
service. The chief sea-defense was a fort on 
Sullivan's Island, the command of which was 
given to a brave young officer named Moultrie, 
and for his successful defense of it the fort 
afterward received his name. The militia also 
had thrown up earthworks on shore to prevent 
the landing of the army to co-operate with the 
fleet. Having done all, they stood to their 
arms and waited for the attack. The plan of 
the British general was a good one. The ships 
were to cannonade Fort Moultrie in front while 



194 True Stories of the Anmican Fathers. 

the army was to land on the island in the rear, 
thus cutting off the retreat of the garrison. The 
fort taken, they were to attack and capture the 
city. The two largest frigates, however, in 
passing the bar, to get a favorable position to 
open fire, struck, so that the crews were obliged 
to throw over part of their guns to lighten them 
off. At last, all being in position, five vessels, 
having one hundred and eighty-six guns in all, 
opened fire upon the gallant Moultrie and his 
little band, who had only one tenth as many 
guns, and so little powder that he was obliged 
to economize his firing and repress the ardor 
of his men." 

" O, I'm so tired of hearing that they never 
had powder enough," said Harry, with vexation 
in his face. 

''I am tired of telling it too, but it was so — 
they never did have enough. You must re- 
member our fathers had been for years cultivat- 
ing the arts of peace. They were not a military 
people, and were not ready for this war. Well, 
they fired slowly, but with great precision and 
with telling effect. So great was the disparity 
of force that the British thought two broadsides 
would end the struggle, and they had come up 
very near the fort ; but they did not take * pal- 
metto' into their account. Fort Moultrie looked 



British Leave Boston — Attack Charleston. 195 

a frail, rude affair, but it was built of soft, fibrous, 
spongy palmetto logs, in which the balls found 
a lodgment without splintering or penetrating. 
The fort trembled and creaked, and even groaned 
a little, but that was all." 

" Is it time for us to call for three groans .'' " 
said Harry. 

" Not quite yet, Harry. The American gun- 
ners had poured a murderous fire into the 
English ships, especially complimenting the 
flag-ship of fifty guns, with the British admiral, 
Sir Peter Parker, and the royal governor of 
South Carolina aboard. They swept the deck, 
so that at one time the commodore stood there 
alone. Morris, his captain, was carried off 
wounded, and, after suffering amputation of an 
arm, insisted upon returning on deck and as- 
suming command. But another ball gave him 
his death-wound." 

" He was a brave Englishman," said Albert, 
" and died at his post." 

" He was, indeed ; let us give him honor. 
They fought bravely— no blame can be attached 
to the navy— and their eyes looked anxiously, 
but vainly, for the landing of the army to divert 
from them the fire of the fort. Having rashly 
taken position so near, they could not now 
retire, as both wind and tide had left them. 



196 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

Several of the vessels, for the time disabled, 
swung round into positions most favorable for 
the execution. of the American gunners. 

" But Moultrie's fire now slackened and finally 
ceased. Their ammunition was gone, and Sir 
Peter Parker still hoped, if the army would but 
carry out their part of the programme, that they 
could yet effect the capture of the fort and ci^y. 
He had dispatched three of his vessels to cover 
their landing, but, unfortunately for them, their 
pilots were at fault ; they ran hopelessly aground 
on the sand-bars, and were of no more use than 
if they had been laid up high and dry in En- 
glish docks." 

" Ah ! Charleston harbor is a troublesome 
place," chuckled Harry. " Now you are there 
and now you're not there. I wonder how they 
liked Southern mettle by this time. Hurra for 
our side ! " 

"Hush, Harry," said Nannie, "you're such a 
rowdy, interrupting the story." 

" Let him effervesce," said Aunt Edith. " It 
will come out in stump oratory some of these 
days. To continue, Clinton, the British general, 
did put his men into small boats, but upon ap- 
proaching the landing he found it so vigilantly 
guarded that he ordered his men back to their 
positions. Meantime the citizens of Charleston 



British L eave Boston — A ttack Charleston. 1 97 

watched from their house-tops and wharves of 
the city, while the sea-breezes brought the noise 
and hot breath of battle into their very faces. 
They watched and wished, and some of them 
prayed ; they were the sons and grandsons of 
the old Huguenot stock, who loved their civil 
and religious liberties more than their lives. It 
was the same spirit that had animated the men 
of Lexington and Concord a year before. The 
brave Christopher Gadsden was in command 
at Fort Johnson, within hearing, and many a 
cheer came over the blue waters from his regi- 
ment to their brothers of Moultrie, begrimed 
with the sweat and smoke of battle. About 
this time their flag was shot away and fell over 
the ramparts. Sergeant Jasper cried out to 
Moultrie, ' Colonel, don't let us fight without a 
flag!' 

" ' What can you do .-* ' asked Moultrie ; * the 
staff is broken.' 

" ' Then,' said Jasper, * I'll fix it on a halberd 
and place it on the merlon of the bastion next 
the enemy ; ' and, leaping through an embra- 
sure and braving the thickest of the enemy's 
fire, he took up the flag, returned with it safely, 
and planted it where he had promised. An- 
other brave fellow fell mortally wounded and 

exclaimed, ' I am dying ; but, comrades, don't 
13 



198 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

let the cause of liberty expire with me this day.' 
Let their names be linked with those of Jonas 
Parker and Isaac Davis, of Lexington Green 
and Concord Bridge. They were brothers. 

" When the people of Charleston heard Moul- 
trie's fire slacken and then cease, their hearts 
trembled with fear ; but he sent a messenger 
up to the city to ask for more powder and to 
say, 'All's well.' Rutledge sent him three hun- 
dred pounds of powder, with the words, * Honor 
and victory to you and our worthy countrymen 
with you. Do not make too free with your 
cannon. Be cool and do mischief At five 
o'clock in the evening Moultrie again ordered 
the men to their guns. The British began to 
show signs of weariness. The sun went down 
and left the battle still raging. About nine 
o'clock, after a cannonade of ten hours, his 
crews worn down, his vessels much disabled, 
having given up all hope of help from the land 
forces, * Sir Peter slipped his cable and dropped 
down with the tide.' The Americans lost eleven 
killed and twenty-six wounded. The British 
fleet lost two hundred in killed and wounded. 
They managed to get off all their vessels, in a 
mangled state, except the ' Acteon,' one of the 
three on the sand-bar. The crew set her on fire 
and left her. Some brave fellows from the fort 



British Leave Boston — Attack Charleston. 199 

boarded her while burning, turned her guns upon 
the retiring vessels, and loaded three boats from 
her stores. ' A half hour after they left her she 
blew up, and, to the eyes of the Carolinians, the 
pillar of smoke as it rose from the vessel took 
the form of the palmetto.' So crippled were 
the British vessels that it was weeks before they 
could get away from the Southern waters." 

" And what did they say of Southern mettle t " 
asked Nannie. 

"That it had as true ring as Yankee valor. 
This was a most important victory. Three 
years passed before the British ventured again 
on Southern soil. This attack on Charleston 
had diverted the tide of battle from the North 
for some months, and gave Washington time to 
prepare for the threatened attack on New York. 
This naval battle was fought on the 28th of 
June, 1776. Swift couriers carried the news to 
the Congress at Philadelphia, and spurred on 
the halting spirits for * Independence.' In En- 
gland the failure of this attack on Charleston 
caused intense regret and sorrow. They had 
been led to believe that the tories, the king's 
friends, were largely in the majority in the 
South, and that the capture of Charleston meant 
the subjugation of the Carolinas. They were 
now undeceived." 




200 True Stories of the American Fathers, 



CHAPTER XIV. 

A Nation is Born in a Day— July 4, 1776— Salutatory- 
Declaration of Independence— Ttiomas Jefferson — 
England Hurls all her Military Resources upon 
X^Vashiington's Army — New York Lost, but tlie 
Cause Saved. 

ND what did they say in Philadelphia 
to the heroes of Fort Moultrie ? " asked 
Nannie. 

"They voted them thanks, and a sword to 
Sergeant Jasper ; and Moultrie shone like the 
morning star, as the dawn of American In- 
dependence struggled into perfect day. The 
hours were heavy with human hopes and des- 
tinies as those great spirits argued out the ne- 
cessity and wisdom of declaring America a free 
and independent nation. Lee and Henry, the 
Adamses and Franklin, gave all their eloquence 
in favor of independence. The people were 
calUng for it all over the land, urging their del- 
egates on. Thomas Jefferson, the great Vir- 
ginian, just thirty-three years old, as he listened 
to the voice of the American people rolling up, 
wave on wave, like the voice of many waters, 
heard it as the voice of God. He seized the 
nation's inspiration, and married it to the match- 



D,eclaration of Independence — Jefferson. 201 

less music of the Declaration of Independence. 
It was Young America then, and now that we 
have grown older we still remember the dreams 
of our youth. When they heard 




JEFFERSON. 

words the Fathers pronounced it very good, 
and every- where the people shouted for joy 
and said, * Yes, that is it ; that is what we felt, 
and this man has spoken it for us. And the 
Fathers launched this good ship of State on 
the waters of time, and the Scripture was ful- 



202 True Stories of tJie American Fathers^. 

filled which says, *A nation shall be born in a 
day.' 

" Children," continued Aunt , Edith, in a 
quicker tone of voice, "we sit here to-night and 
repeat this story as if it were only a thing of 
beauty, lightly, gracefully, and easily accom- 
plished. But there is another side to the story. 
The nation was now beyond dispute a nation 
of traitors. They had thrown off all allegiance 
to King George and England. In the colonies 
the royal governors had been set aside ; most 
of them had returned to England, as they had 
no power to enforce their own authority. The 
governments of the different colonies were pure 
democracies, their assemblies being elected and 
authorized immediately from the people, with- 
out reference to charters or king's seal. Their 
delegates to Congress were called the ring- 
leaders of treason, a price would be set upon 
their heads, and if taken their lives would be 
the forfeit of their political crimes. As the 
Fathers gathered round to sign their names to 
the Declaration of Independence, 'pledging 
their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor' to main- 
tain and defend it, one of them said, * We must 
stand by each other and hang together in this 
matter ; ' and Franklin wittily added, * Yes, cer- 
tainly, otherwise we shall all hang separately.' 



Declaration of Independence — yefferson. 203 

** We are to keep in mind that England was 
the most powerful nation in the world. She 
was mistress on the ocean ; her army and navy- 
were fully armed and equipped. She had vast 
resources, and had now determined to put forth 
all her power to crush us. It seemed like mad- 
ness for America to undertake to withstand her. 
In some respects our country was poor ; though 
there was abundance of provisions, there was 
very little gold or silver. War is a very expen- 
sive business. Clothing and arms must be 
bought in Europe, and paid for in gold and 
silver, for American paper money was worth 
nothing out of the country. The bills of credit 
that Congress issued had not much credit with 
our own people, because they might never be 
able to make them good. Congress, though it 
represented the American government, was not 
sufficiently strong and responsible to establish 
the financial credit of the nation. Its power 
rested only on the good-will of the people ; it 
was the early and feeble beginning of the great, 
wise, and strong government that was after- 
ward established by the Fathers, that to-day 
protects and governs us. Though they had 
great hope and faith in Congress, yet the people 
felt that they had entered upon an experiment. 
There were fears along with the hopes, while 



204 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

many felt strong doubts whether the authority 
of Congress could hold the country firmly to- 
gether amid the shocks of war. So the Fathers 
could only feel their way along carefully and 
slowly, step by step, not doing always the -best 
and wisest things, but being obliged often to do 
the next best. One of the greatest of their 
mistakes was that they did not heed Washing- 
ton's advice. He urged them to raise a large 
army at once, and to enlist their soldiers for the 
entire war. Congress failed to do this because 
the people were prejudiced against large stand- 
ing armies. They knew that was the way the 
people of European countries were held down 
under the will of kings or privileged classes, 
and they feared lest some ambitious man should 
contrive to put himself at the head of the army, 
seize the reins of power, and drive the country 
into a worse despotism than that from which 
they had escaped. This has often been done ; 
history is full of these examples. They enlisted 
their soldiers for six months or a year. The 
consequence was Washington's difficulties were 
increased a hundredfold and much of his labor 
thrown away. Scarcely had he equipped and 
drilled the raw militia when they melted away 
before his eyes, their term being expired. They 
were always comjng and going out of his camp. 



Declaration of Independence — yefferso^i. 205 

He protested again and again, but Congress 
failed to comply. Public sentiment was against 
it, and they hoped the war would not last over 
a year. Amid the exultations of the people 
and the rejoicings of Congress over the Decla- 
ration of Independence came a courier from 
Washington, in his camp at New York, an- 
nouncing that the British fleet and army were 
in the harbor. ' I am hopeful,' wrote the gen- 
eral, * that we shall get some reinforcements 
before they are prepared to attack ; be that as 
it may, I shall make the best disposition I can 
of our troops.' While some quailed before the 
prospect, he moved serenely among his soldiers, 
strengthening and encouraging them for the 
coming conflict. The eloquent words of the 
Declaration of Independence had been pro- 
nounced ; but it remained for Washington and 
his men to make it good with trusty swords 
and cannon balls. Congress had weakened his 
army by ordering him to send several regiments 
to Canada, against not only his judgment, but 
his warm expostulations. He obeyed the order, 
and then made every effort to rectify the mis- 
chief of such a mistake. 

" It being now clear that the object of the 
British was the capture of the city of Nev/ York, 
Washington ordered every available man that 



2o6 Tnie Stories of the American Fathers. 

could be spared from other points to join his 
camp. Thus reinforced his army numbered 
about twenty-five thousand. Not more than 
one half were armed or fit for service, some 
never having seen the smoke of battle before ; 
very different from the army about to land and 
attack them. The whole land and naval force 
under the brothers General and Admiral Howe 
and General Clinton, together with the Hes- 
sians, under very able generals, would reach 
thirty-five thousand of the best troops Europe 
could boast ; men trained to arms ; men who 
had actually lived in battle. They were English 
regulars, full of British pride, sorely wounded 
at having lost their reputation for the first time 
in a wrestle with these despised American farm- 
ers, hunters, and country gentlemen. There 
was also the greatest emulation between the 
English and Germans, both soldiers and officers. 
It was a humiliation to the English that it had 
been found necessary to call the Germans to 
their help, while the Germans were equally de- 
termined not to be eclipsed by English valor. 
As to equipments, nothing was wanting that 
the military magazines of Europe could supply ; 
they were armed to the teeth. 

" Washington knew all this, and as he looked 
at the hastily gathered multitude of men in 



Declaration of Independence — Jefferson . 207 

his camp, badly clothed, unarmed, and undisci- 
plined, though brave and willing, he knew that 
by all human calculations it was madness to 
bring the two together in battle ; the raw militia 
must go down before the heavy English and 
German battalions. Fear, it may be, he felt, 
but not despair. He had given himself to this 
cause, to live and to die for it and in it. He 
busied himself with all the energy of his nature 
ta use every man and every musket to the best 
advantage, with a serene faith that God, who 
has given his word always to protect the just 
cause, would himself enter the arena and get 
his own victor}^ He whom 'winds and seas 
obey,' who * plants his footsteps in the sea and 
rides upon the storm,' had already interfered in 
their favor. Let me explain how. The British 
forces were sent in three divisions. The first, 
under Sir Peter Parker by sea and General 
Clinton by land, was to operate in the South. 
The second division, under General Howe by 
land and Admiral Howe by sea, was to capture 
New York. The admiral with his ships would 
hold the harbor and command the city, while 
the general would ascend the Hudson River to 
Albany. Still another division, under General 
Carleton of Canada, was to descend by Lakes 
Champlain and George, retaking the Forts Ti- 



2o8 Ti'iie Stories of the American Fathers. 

conderoga and Crown Point, and join Howe at 
Albany. Thus the New England colonies would 
be entirely separated from the Middle colonies. 
Pressed on all sides at the same time — for these 
operations were to go on simultaneously — it 
would be impossible for the Americans to op- 
pose a sufficient force at all these points, and 
the rebellion would be speedily crushed. The 
plan was admirable. But you have seen how 
the expedition to the South failed, by reason of 
contrary winds bringing them out of time, to 
encounter a far more spirited resistance than 
they expected. We shall see as we proceed 
how it fared with the rest of this great military 
plan. ■ General Clinton, after idly looking on, 
while Moultrie splintered up Sir Peter Parker's 
vessels, sailed away to j6in General Howe in 
New York Harbor. Admiral Lord Howe, on 
leaving England, had been instructed to offer, 
upon his arrival here, peaceful overtures and 
pardon to all who should lay down their arms 
and return to their allegiance to the king ; for 
the British authorities were somewhat startled 
by the bold position Congress assumed. Be- 
fore offering battle, therefore, he sent a letter to 
the general-in-chief, directed simply to George 
Washington, Esq. The general declined to re- 
ceive it, as it did not express his public rank 



Declaration of Indcpendcfice — yejferson, 209 

and office, and as a private individual he could 
not hold any communication with the king's 
officers. Lord Howe did not wish to let a mere 
matter of ceremonial prevent the interview, 
neither did he wish to acknowledge the com- 
mander-in-chief of the rebel nation officially. 
He sent a second letter, addressed to George 
Washington, etc., etc., etc., etc. An adjutant- 
general was sent to present it in person. On 
being introduced into Washington's presence 
he addressed him with the title of * Excellency.' 
Washington received him with great politeness, 
but, with greater dignity, declining still to re- 
ceive or read the letter. You see, dear children, 
it was not merely a point of ceremony that he 
contended for. Since July Fourth, America had 
set forth her claims as a free and independent 
nation. Washington was now commander-in- 
chief of the national army, nor would he bate 
one jot or tittle, of his rank and office. In refus- 
ing to recognize him, they refused to recognize 
the nation. Washington explained to the bearer 
of the letter, * that a letter written to a p.erson 
invested with a public character should specify 
it, otherwise it could not be distinguished from 
a private letter. That it was true et ceteras 
implied every thing, but it was no less true 
that they implied nothing, and that he could 



210 True Stones of the American Fathers. 

receive no letter on public affairs that did not 
designate his rank and office.' Congress much 
applauded this conduct of Washington, and 
ordered all officers to make it the rule of their 
conduct. 

" Nothing remained but to come to battle. 
Had Washington reasoned and acted only as a 
soldier, he would doubtless not have accepted 
an open field fight ; but he reflected that by fall- 
ing back before the enemy he would uncover 
the weakness of his army. Also, to yield New 
York without a blow would expose them to the 
charge of cowardice, which would rejoice the 
foe and dispirit the Americans. Likewise, it 
was exceedingly important to retain the city if 
possible. Howe landed his troops without op- 
position on Long Island, not far from where 
Brooklyn now stands. All preparations being 
completed, the attack was made on the Ameri- 
can lines. Heavy masses of German and En- 
glish troops were hurled against Washington's 
raw militia. They fought well for a time, but 
Washington beheld from the Heights of Brook- 
lyn what he feared would come to pass, the 
American ranks broken, scattered, and flying 
in confusion. He saw a brave band of Mary- 
landers, the sons of the best men in the prov- 
ince, surrounded and absolutely cut to pieces. 



Declaration of hidependence — yefferson. 21 1 

The general uttered an exclamation of anguish 
at the sight. Night closed on the bloody field. 
Three thousand were killed, wounded, and pris- 
oners. The British loss was not so great ; they 
had fresh forces to bring into the field, and fully 
intended to renew the battle on the next day. 
Washington did not. It stormed for two days 
and nights so that nothing could be done on 
either side. On the third night Washington 
passed all his army baggage, artillery, and entire 
effects across the East River into New York. 
Providence seemed to watch over them ; though 
* cast down ' they were not to be * destroyed.' 
About two o'clock in the morning a thick fog, 
unusual at that season, covered Long Island, 
while the air was perfectly clear on the New 
York side. It was July 29, 1776. When the 
sun drank up the fog the British general saw 
with vexation that the American army had lit- 
erally slipped through his fingers. Military 
critics called this safe retreat, under the very 
eye of a powerful and victorious enemy, a prod- 
igy of skill and wisdom. 

" The effects of the defeat upon the spirit of 
the American army was most disastrous. Up 
to this time they had imagined that courage 
would accomplish every thing. Now that it 
had yielded before the heavy ranks and supe- 



212 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

rior equipments of European discipline they 
sunk into despondency, and concluded it could 
do nothing. This was wrong. They at first 
overrated themselves ; now they underrated 
themselves. And, notwithstanding Washing- 
ton's exhortations and persuasions, they desert- 
ed by whole companies. The New England 
militia, who had only enlisted for a few weeks 
to assist in the defense of New York, insisted 
upon returning at the end of the time to be 
ready for home defense, for the British had 
now hundreds of vessels in our waters, and the 
whole New England coast lay open to their 
wrath. 

" In this state of things, with the British 
vessels in the East River, and General Howe 
preparing to cross with his army in pursuit, 
Washington called a council of his officers, and 
the decision was to abandon New York. Wash- 
ington's first care now was to preserve the re- 
mains of his army, and this could only be done 
by avoiding another battle. General Howe's 
object was to force the general to battle by hot 
pursuit of him. Washington therefore retired 
to a place called Kingsbridge, a few miles 
above New York, and there intrenched himself 
Leaving a garrison in the city. General Howe 
pushed on after him. Finding his positions 



Declaration of Independence — Jefferson. 213 

rather formidable he hesitated to attack, and 
encamped in the neighborhood, pondering what 
next, 

"During this time, the armies lying close to 
each other, many little skirmishes occurred in 
which the Americans ^ot much the better of 
their enemies, and so plucked up courage once 
more. This was just what Washington wished. 
To win back their confidence in themselves 
would be worth more than to win a battle. 
They began to lose some of their terror of their 
new enemies, the Hessians, which had been 
extreme. Children, I want )^ou to notice now 
that Washington's movements were all on the 
defensive, from the necessity of the case. He 
was so much weaker in every way than his 
enemy that his highest aim was to- make the 
best of a very bad case. This whole campaign 
was an effort, not to gain any thing, but to pre- 
vent the utter failure of the American cause. 
Albert, what does campaign mean } " 

" It means a number of battles and military 
movements, I think." 

" Yes, for the accomplishment of some cer- 
tain object. This campaign of Howe's began 
with his landing on Long Island in July, and 
lasted up to the new year. It was a rare game 

of chess between the two generals, played with 
14 



214 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

marked ability by both, though with great dis- 
advantage on Washington's side. He had no 
plan of his own, and could have none. His only 
care was to study Howe's movements, pene- 
trate his designs, and then disappoint and 
thwart him.'* 



Washington Recrosscs the Delaware. 2 1 5 



CHAPTER XV. 

"Washington Retreats through New Jersey — Disaster 
"Follows Fast and. Follows Faster" — Washington's 
Faith and Courage— He Attenapts the Impossible 
and Aeeomplishes It— Recrosses the Delaware, 
Saves Philadelphia, and Chases the British Back 
to New York. 

^^^'J^^HERE did we leave Washington last 
JV^T evening?" asked Aunt Edith of her 
little group of listeners. 

"Encamped at Kingsbridge," answered sev- 
eral voices. 

" Correct. Washington, from certain move- 
ments of Howe, guessed the conclusion he had 
come to — not to attack him at Kingsbridge, as 
it would cost him too many lives to dislodge 
the Americans, but, instead, to get in his rear, 
and take a higher position at White Plains. 
That would be to flank Washington's army, 
which no good general will ever allow if he can 
help it. Therefore Washington chose himself 
to occupy that position ; broke up his camp 
and marched away at night, and Howe found 
himself again outgeneraled. He followed at 
once and brought on a battle in which neither 
side could claim a victory, and Washington 



2i6 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

again moved with his army still higher up into 
a rough, difficult hill country, where Howe, find- 
ing it impossible either to dislodge him, or coax 
or force him to a fight, turned back and ad- 
dressed himself to the capture of Forts Wash- 
ington and Lee, the northern river defenses of 
New York, a few miles above the city. Wash- 
ington wrote advising their evacuation, though 
not commanding it. Colonel Magraw at Fort 
Washington with a large garrison was sanguine 
of holding it. The assault was made with great 
vigor, principally by the Germans, who lost a 
thousand men in taking the outer defenses. 
After a brave defense. Colonel Magraw was 
compelled to surrender. Between two and 
three thousand troops fell prisoners into British 
hands, and at this critical time were lost to their 
country's service. Washington deplored this 
calamity, and at once ordered the evacuation of 
Fort Lee, on the opposite bank of the Hudson. 
He crossed the river himself, and marched down 
its western bank in order to bring the scattered 
forces together. Emboldened by success, Howe 
had ordered a force to cross the Hudson and 
invest Fort Lee, which contained a garrison of 
two thousand men. So rapid were his move- 
ments that the garrison had barely time to 
escape, leaving all their artillery, baggage, pro- 



Washington Recrosses the Delazvare. 2 1 7 

visions, and, worst of all, their tents, which they 
now greatly needed, for November winds were 
scattering the last leaves from the trees." 

" O dear ! O dear ! " moaned little Stevey. 

" That was close quarters, indeed," said Harry. 

" Please tell us, aunty," said Nannie, anxious- 
ly, '' What did Washington do .?" 

" What did Washington do .-* He moved 
about grandly; showed himself among his de- 
jected soldiers serene, calm, and patient ; and 
a light shone in his eyes that told of 'hoping 
against hope.' He gathered all the scattered 
forces together and prepared to retreat into 
New Jersey. Take courage, Stevey, (looking 
into the little boy's anxious eyes,) * all's not lost 
that's in danger.' Do you remember what was 
the programme for the armies of New York and 
Canada, Albert.?" 

" Yes, aunty. You said Carleton was to come 
down the lakes to Albany, and Howe was to go 
up the Hudson River, and thus holding the 
river and lakes, they would divide New England 
from the rest of the colonies." 

" Very well. Now notice, that Washington's 
skillful maneuvering had occupied Howe in the 
vicinity of New York until so late in the season 
that that plan failed utterly. Carleton had 
executed his part of it, coming down the lakes 



2i8 True Stoides of the American Fathers. 

and under the very walls of Ticonderoga, which 
was too strongly fortified and garrisoned for 
him to assault without Howe's co-operation. 
Hearing nothing from Howe, except that he 
had gone to New Jersey, he found himself at 
the beginning of winter far from home, in an 
enemy's country, without provisions for his 
army. He was obliged, therefore, to conduct 
his army back into Canada, and wait until next 
year to complete his work. 

"Howe dared not venture too far from New 
York while Washington continued in its vicin- 
ity with his army, for he still kept up a show 
of an army, and kept his standard flying. 
Howe always gave him credit for a much larger 
army than he really had, and Washington took 
very good care not to let him get near enough 
to count his men. Howe consoled himself for 
the failure of his Hudson River plan with the 
prospect of a still greater prize — nothing less 
than the city of Philadelphia itself He fancied 
that Washington's dispirited and defeated army 
would be unable to resist him further ; he 
should capture the city, the capital of the so- 
called confederacy, disperse the Congress, re- 
ceive the submission of the colonies, and thus 
have the glory of ending tjie war himself 
Washington soon discovered what Howe meant 



Washington Recrosses the Delaware. 219 

to do. He now called all the troops that could 
be spared from the lake defenses, and ordered 
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania militia to 
assemble near Philadelphia. He fell slowly 
back, skirmishing, and delaying the advance of 
the British army as long as possible, to gain 
time for his reinforcements to arrive. The 
British followed, spreading themselves well over 
the eastern part of New Jersey; their soldiers 
committing all sorts of excesses and cruelties, 
burning and plundering, especially the rude 
German barbarians, until the very name of 
Hessian became a terror to American ears. It 
wrung the heart of Washington to know what 
these poor people suffered, and he unable to 
shield them from it. He continued to fall back) 
and finally passed the Delaware, destroying the 
bridges, and drawing the boats after him to the 
other side. 

" Howe, arriving upon its east bank, found a 
wide and rapid river between him and Wash- 
ington, with the bridges gone. There was a 
risk in trusting himself on the other side, thus 
putting the river between him and his maga- 
zines, which were in Princeton and Brunswick ; 
for he was compelled to drag his provisions 
after him. It was mid-winter now, and he was 
in the country of an enemy who refused to feed 



220 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

him ; and even the tories dared not do it, ex- 
cept by stealth. He therefore distributed his 
army in small divisions among the towns on the 
east side of the river, and waited for Jack Frost 
to build him an ice-bridge over which he could 
lead his army into Philadelphia. 

** Washington saw these movements with de- 
light. Though his army, by disease and deser- 
tions, had fallen away to a mere skeleton, yet 
those who remained were a faithful and a valiant 
few, and he did not despair yet, by some rapid, 
unexpected movement, to give a favorable turn 
to affairs. It was Christmas night. The Hes- 
sians had finished their revels, and had gone to 
sleep toward the small morning hours. Wash- 
ington had planned three several attacks. His 
own division was to cross the Delaware at 
Trenton, where Colonel Rahl was encamped 
with a body of German troops. There was a 
liigh wind, a rapid current, a driving snow- 
storm, and the river full of floating blocks of 
ice* Howe and his officers as soon expected 
an enemy to drop out of the clouds as for one to 
attempt the passage of the river under such cir- 
cumstances. But it was just some such super- 
human achievement that was needed at this 
time, and Washington resolved to do it. Only 
the division which he commanded in person 



Washington Recrosses the Delazvare. 223 

succeeded in passing the river. Both the others 
were blocked in the ice, and with great peril ex- 
tricated themselves and returned to the camp. 

" Washington had hoped to effect a landing 
at midnight, but the ice and biting cold delayed 
them, and it was gray dawn before all were 
landed. What a night they had spent, wrest- 
ling with the elements! What surging waves 
of hope and fear had beat about that great man's 
heart ! They attacked immediately. Colonel 
Rahl attempted to form for battle, but the sur- 
prise and impetuosity of the attack, for the 
general-in-chief seemed to impart to every one 
of his soldiers a portion of his own spirit, threw 
them into hopeless confusion. They would 
have gladly escaped by flight, but Washington 
had posted his men so as to cut off retreat. 
Colonel Rahl fell mortally wounded, and the 
Hessians struck their colors. Only ten Ameri- 
cans were killed and wounded. Of the Hes- 
sians Colonel Rahl, six officers, and forty men 
were killed, and over a thousand, with their 
arms, cannon, and baggage, were made pris- 
oners, and safely conveyed across the Delaware, 
marched to Philadelphia, and paraded through 
the city. 

*' This victory was most timely. The army 
was filled with enthusiasm, and Washington 



224 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

determined at once, mid-winter as it was, to 
assume the offensive. He led his army back 
over the Delaware ; a panic seized the British, 
and they retreated toward Brunswick, fearing 
for the safety of their magazines gathered there. 
Washington followed, haunting the hills of New 
Jersey with his phantom army ; hovering round 
the homesteads and villages to protect the ter- 
rified women and children from the brutal sol- 
diery ; sweeping down upon the enemy's for- 
aging parties like fitful winter gusts, captur- 
ing or dispersing them, and compelling them 
to keep within their lines ; appearing where 
least expected, and disappearing when most 
wanted to remain. If assailed by large numbers, 
Washington led his hungry, frost-bitten, half- 
naked heroes up into some rocky fastness for 
safety and refreshment ; if followed there, 
creeping stealthily away like the mountain mists, 
to appear again in some unexpected quarter. 
In vain did Howe maneuver to bring him to 
battle. Yet with an army twenty thousand 
strong) while Washington had never more than 
three thousand, the British general dared not 
march again toward Philadelphia. 

" The campaign for 1776 was ended, and the 
plans of the British ministry, sustained as they 
were by overwhelming forces, had failed every- 



Washington Recrosses the Delaware. 225 

where. Now, dear children, if you will look very 
attentively with your sharp young eyes at this 
chapter of history, you will see defeat crowned 
with the fruits of victory, and victory slink away 
at the last, dragging defeat at its heels. The 
praying people, those who believe in God and 
know that he rules in the armies of men, said, 
* It is the Lord's doings, and marvelous in our 
eyes.' The superhuman wisdom of Washing- 
ton, in achieving such results with means so 
inadequate, brought him great glory. His name 
was every-where spoken with reverence. The 
most distinguished writers and illustrious per- 
sons in Europe lavished upon him, with pen and 
tongue, praises and congratulations. Meantime 
Congress had drawn up ' Articles of Confedera- 
tion for the thirteen United States,' and had ap- 
pointed ministers to represent the new nation 
at the courts of Europe, to induce them to ac- 
knowledge them and treat with them in their 
new character. Hoping more from France than 
from any other nation, they sent to that country 
Benjamin Franklin. His name and his fame 
had long preceded him at the French court. 
Though the snows of winter crowned his vener- 
able head, for he had passed his threescore and 
ten years, yet the fire of his genius was not dim 
by reason of his age. His wit was as keen as 



226 Tnie Stories of the Americmt Fathers. 

at twenty, and his vivacity still undiminished. 
He was the object of universal admiration and 
curiosity, the people thronged his steps when 
he appeared in public, and no foreigner had ever 
such hom.age at the French court, where wit 
and philosophy always receive attention. His 
mission was to induce the King of France 
openly to espouse the cause of America and 
recognize her as a nation. This was a grave 
matter ; it meant to go to war with England ; 
that is, it would be such an insult to England 
for France to acknowledge her rebel colonies as 
a nation that England would be compelled in 
honor to declare war against France. 

" France held back for several good reasons. 
She was not exactly ready, though she was get- 
ting ready with all speed, building formidable 
war vessels and strengthening both army and 
navy. Moreover, she wanted to be satisfied that 
the American people were not only fully deter- 
mined to cut loose from England forever, but 
she also waited to see whether they would show 
the ability to defend themselves against the 
mighty armies and fleets that England had sent 
against them. Though the French declined to 
openly declare themselves, yet they continued 
to give every secret assistance possible, loaning 
the Americans money, selling them arms and 



Washington Recrosses the Delaware. 227 

clothing, with promises to come openly to their 
aid at no distant day. Now I want to explain 
to you, children, that the French court, king and 
ministers, had no real sympathy with our Fa- 
thers in their struggles to establish a republican 
form of government. Kings and the supporters 
of kings are the natural enemies of republics. 
The secret of their good wishes for the Ameri- 
can rebellion was that they hated England, and 
wanted to see her power reduced by the loss of 
her colonies. If America became an independ- 
ent nation she would trade with France as freely 
as she had formerly with England, which would 
make France rich as she had made England. 
The same reasons influenced Spain also, and the 
other European nations, for they all bore an 
envy, if not a hatred, to England, and had some 
act of wrong or tyranny to avenge. The proba- 
bility was that if France embraced the cause 
of America, so also would Spain and Holland, 
and thus a general European war would blaze 
up. Our Fathers foresaw this, so also did wise 
men in England. The great Chatham warned 
the king and the ministers of it; but they would 
not heed it. Noble spirits in every nation sym- 
pathized with the infant republic ; the heroic re- 
sistance of the Americans excited the most in- 
tense interest and admiration among brave and 



228 True Stories of the Ajnerican Fathers. 

generous natures every-where. They showed 
their sympathy, not only in words of cheer, but 
they left home and friends and country, some of 
them at their own expense, to come to America. 
Men of rank and fortune presented themselves 
before the great American chief, feeling a high 
honor to serve such a cause under such a leader. 
The gallant young Frenchman, the Marquis de 
La Fayette, at the age of twenty-two, left his 
native land, a home of luxury, and his young 
wife, so strongly was he drawn to the cause of 
liberty and the character and person of Wash- 
ington, whom he loved with an affection pass- 
ing the love of women." 



Burgoyne Surrenders his Whole Army. 229 




CHAPTER XVI. 

Tieonderoga Surrenders to Burgoyne— Joy in En- 
gland — Sorrow in America — ^Th.e Tide Turns — Bur- 
goyne Surrenders his Whole Army to Gen. Gates 
— Joy in America — Sorrow in England. 

'HIS evening, children, we will go up 
among the lakes of New York and see 
what was passing there. It was now 
the spring of 1777, and the British were pre- 
paring for a summer campaign. The plan of 
warfare that had been attempted the year before 
was not altered, for the British ministers still 
thought it the best that could be devised. But 
they dispatched Burgoyne to the command of 
the Canadian army, for General Carleton had 
failed to give satisfaction there. They thought 
he had not shown sufficient vigor in his war 
measures. He hesitated to employ Indians, 
not only because of their barbarity, but because 
of the difficulty of bringing them under military 
discipline. In this he showed good general- 
ship, as we shall hereafter see. His kindness 
and humanity to his American prisoners were 
also condemned. Let us remember it to his 



230 True Stories of the American Fathers, 

honor. He treated his prisoners with all the 
kindness the laws of war allowed, had the sick 
carefully nursed, and, pitying the sufferings of 
our poor half-naked soldiers amid the rigors of 
a Canadian winter, he clothed them and sent 
them home, only requiring them to take oath 
not to fight again against his Majesty King 
George the Third. We take leave of him with 
regret. 

" Burgoyne was a very ambitious man and a 
great boaster. He made large promises of what 
he could do, and the British ministers gave him 
rank over Gen. Carleton, who soon after asked 
leave to resign. Burgoyne, upon arriving in 
Canada, dispatched agents to the Indian tribes 
to gather a large force of Indians, enlisted as 
many Canadians as possible, and with an army 
of ten thousand, consisting of British, Germans, 
Canadians, and Indians, proceeded down the 
lakes to reduce Fort Ticonderoga. He issued 
proclamations to the people promising pardon to 
all who would join him, or would take oath not 
to aid in any manner the revolutionary party ; 
also threatening all who resisted the authority 
of the British government with utter destruction. 
He reminded them of his Indian allies, who 
would scent them out if they attempted to con- 
ceal themselves to escape his wrath. This 



.Btirgoyne Surrenders his Whole Army. 23 1 

bloody proclamation covered his name with in- 
famy, and instead of making the people fear 
him, only made them hate him and the king 
who had sent him to terrify an innocent 
people. 

" They knew if the Indians were turned upon 
them they would have no mercy in any case, 
for they murdered and plundered friends and 
foes, asking no questions. The whole country 
flew to arms to join General Schuyler at Fort 
Edward. You see Forts St. John, Chambly, 
and Crown Point — show them to the children, 
Albert. 

'' These had all fallen into General Carleton's 
possession the summer before, and Burgoyne now 
proceeded to capture, destroy, or drive before 
him the American vessels on the lakes. In 
due time he arrived under the walls of Ticon- 
deroga, the last and strongest of all the lake 
defenses. It had been armed and garrisoned 
as strongly as the military stores of the Ameri- 
cans would allow. General St Clair defended 
it, and the people never thought it possible that 
it could be taken either by siege or assault. 
But there was one negligence of which the 
Americans were guilty. In the vicinity of the 
fort rises a steep, difficult eminence called 

Mount Defiance. It commands the fort. The 
15 



232 Tme Stories of the American Fathers. 

Americans took counsel concerning it. They 
could illy spare the artillery from their works to 
fortify it, and they rested in the hope that the 
difficulty and labor of the work would prevent 
the British from attempting to drag their artil- 
lery to its summit. They reckoned amiss. Bur- 
goyne's army was splendidly equipped with 
abundance of the heaviest artillery. He com- 
prehended the importance of the operation, and 
ordered it to be done. In a v/eek of great toil 
and labor it was accomplished, and the next 
best thing for St. Clair to do was to evacuate 
the fort and escape with the garrison to Fort 
Edward, below, where Schuyler was gathering 
his army. Unfortunately, St. Clair's garrison 
had delayed too long to make a wise or well- 
ordered retreat. They were discovered, and 
pursued both by land and water. ' They were 
obliged to blow up their shipping, and so hot 
was the pursuit that they were forced to aban- 
don their batteaux, containing baggage, stores, 
and arms, which all fell into British hands. 
Those by land were pursued and scattered, and 
many perished of hunger in the woods ; but few 
were able to join Schuyler. When all the fugi- 
tives arrived, after their perils by water and in 
the wilderness, by the sword of their enemies 
and the scalping knife of the savages, Schuy- 



Burgoyne Surrenders his Whole Army. 233 

ler could count only about four thousand dis- 
pirited troops to oppose to Burgoyne's army, 
flushed with victory, and armed and equipped 
beyond what was necessary. 

" The news of the fall of this powerful fortress, 
together with the loss of one hundred and twen- 
ty-eight pieces of artillery, baggage, arms, and 
immense quantities of stores and provisions, fell 
like a sound of doom over the land. The news 
was dispatched immediately to England, and 
was received there with unbounded joy. To- 
gether with the details ol what had already been 
done, Burgoyne was profuse of his boasts of 
certain victory to crown his future movements. 
The Ministry were intoxicated with joy. They 
strutted about the court prophesying the speedy 
termination of the war and the submission 
of the colonies." 

" Yes," said Nannie, in a tone of vexation, 
" I can almost hear their very words. * There, 
didn't I tell you so t You wouldn't mind me ; 
I knew it would turn out this way.' It always 
tries my temper to hear people say, * There, I 
told you so ! ' I run right out of hearing." 

" Well, the friends of America were obliged to 
hear a great deal of this kind of talk, and indeed 
they had nothing to answer, and were quite put 
to silence." 



234 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

" I hope the Fathers didn't lose heart, I am 
sure Washington didn't,'* continued the little 
girl, trying to prop up her own courage. 

" O no ! they felt the greatness of the calam- 
ity, and Washington hurried forward all the 
men he could possibly spare, sent General 
Gates to take command, and sent with him 
Arnold and Morgan. Congress dispatched 
agents to Europe to put the best face possible 
on affairs, especially at the French court. 

Burgoyne, in the meantime, having left a 
garrison at Ticonderoga, pursued the Amer- 
icans down Wood Creek, took Fort Skeenes- 
borough, and, lower down, Fort Anne. He had 
now a wilderness to penetrate to arrive at Fort 
Edward, where Schuyler was. Burgoyne's pro- 
visions, magazines, and hospi^'als were now far 
in his rear, at Crown Point and Ticonderoga, 
and it was becoming very troublesome to keep 
his army supplied. The aspect of things began 
to change. General Schuyler had, very wisely, 
ordered all provisions to be secreted or removed, 
and the cattle to be driven back to remote parts 
of the country. The British army began to be 
pinched with hunger. It was yet a longdistance 
to Albany, where Burgoyne was to meet General 
Howe. He was in a wilderness that could fur- 
nish no supplies for his army, and the people 



Buj^goyne Surrenders his Whole Army, 235 

were thoroughly unfriendly. He found out that 
the Americans had large magazines of provis- 
ions at Bennington, in Vermont, and he sent 
quite a detachment of troops there to seize them, 
but the Vermont militia heard of their intended 
visit. They met them quite unexpectedly, in- 
deed laid in wait for them, and, after a sharp 
battle, dispersed and pursued them, killing or 
capturing a large number. His Indian allies, 
too, gave Burgoyne a great deal of trouble. 
They were very disobedient and unmanage- 
able. All this helped to disorganize his own 
troops. They came and went at pleasure, and 
the officers secretly feared lest they should 
turn their arms upon their friends. Courier, 
after courier was dispatched to Albany to learn 
something of Howe's movements, but no light 
came from that quarter. Howe had General 
Washington to look after and New York to 
keep. Burgoyne determined to push on through 
the wilderness to Fort Edward : the march was 
full of toil and danger. He rebuilt forty bridges 
that Schuyler had destroyed in his retreat. 
The Americans had also blocked up the roads 
behind them by felUng huge forest trees. This 
made it very difficult for the British to travel, 
especially as they were compelled to drag their 
provisions all the way with them. 



236 True Stories of the America?i Fathers. 

" Burgoyne could not endure the thought of 
his brilhant military exploits coming at last to 
grief. He hoped to be able to get out of the 
woods and reach Albany, where he could be pro- 
visioned by Howe. His case became critical. 
Having failed to obtain provisions at Benning- 
ton, he sent a force into the country of the 
Mohawk Indians ; but Arnold had gone there, 
and, encountering the British troops, had dis- 
persed and driven them back to the lakes, where 
they floated down and joined the main army. 
Upon arriving at Fort Edward they found that 
Schuyler had dismantled that fort and re- 
treated to Stillwater, where Gates had assumed 
command. 

" Every day the prospects of the Americans 
grew brighter. Their recent successes had 
raised their spirits. It was now August ; the 
harvests were gathered, and the militia, farmers, 
and, in short, every body, seized their guns and 
hastened to Schuyler's camp. All this time 
Burgoyne was getting further and further from 
his magazines ; indeed, it was no longer possible 
to bring his provisions, for the militia swarmed 
in his rear and cut off his supplies. The ques- 
tion now was how should he escape out of such 
an unfriendly wilderness and save his army 
from being surrounded and captured. After 



Burgoyne StLirenders his Whole Army. 237 

leaving the necessary garrisons at the captured 
posts, together with his losses and sick, he could 
scarcely count more than five thousand effective 
men, while Gates had ten thousand, mostly 
regulars, and the cry was, * still they come.' 
Burgoyne, however, was supplied with the heav- 
iest artillery and the best arms. He encamped 
on the plains of Saratoga, about three miles from 
Stillwater, where Gates lay. Here a council 
was called. If they remained where they were 
they would starve ; to retreat was perilous, they 
would inevitably be pursued. There was noth- 
ing but to try the fate of battle, and, if success- 
ful, push on for Albany. The British camp was 
overhung with gloom. The American camp 
was full of joy: they smelled the battle, they 
scented the victory. The British and their 
savage allies were detested for the horrible 
cruelties that had marked the path of their 
army ; the day of vengeance was at hand. Bur- 
goyne discovered that Gates was posting troops 
in his rear to cut off retreat. His army was on 
half-rations ; it was battle or surrender. 

''The battle-day came. The British fought 
gallantly. They were led by able officers, and 
their case was desperate ; they were inspired 
by despair. The Americans fought with their 
hearts full of triumph. On that day, it is told 



238 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

that Morgan and Arnold were maddened with 
the thirst for battle. Above the clash of arms 
and roar of cannon their voices rang, cheering 
on their men, who seemed to catch the spirit 
of their leaders. Arnold had pushed back the 
ranks before him upon their camp, and was pre- 
paring to enter their works, when a musket-ball 
disabled the same limb that was shattered on 
that fearful New Year's morning at the storm- 
ing of Quebec. The British were dreadfully 
handled, night suspended the fearful wrestle of 
the two armies, though the Americans contin- 
ued a random " artillery firing into the enemy's 
camp. The British losses had been great in 
killed and wounded. They mourned greatly 
the loss of General Frazer, one of their ablest 
generals. They buried him in the darkness of 
night,, amid the roar of American artillery, so 
near that * every moment the balls spattered up 
the earth into the face of the officiating chap- 
lain.' The British generals beheld their troops 
worn down with excessive toil, and abandoned 
by their Canadian and Indian allies. They saw 
them completely surrounded, and at the mercy 
of more than twice their numbers, lying con- 
stantly upon their arms, enduring a continual 
cannonade, and receiving even rifle and grape 
shot in every part of their camp. They were 



Btirgoyne Surrenders his Whole Army. 239 

besides on less than half-rations, and endured 
all this without a murmuring word, while they 
were daily sinking under their hard necessities. 
Burgoyne called a final council, and while they 
debated, American bullets pierced the tent 
where they were assembled. They decided to 
accept their destiny and surrender. On the 
17th of October, 1777, the articles of capitula- 
tion were signed. The British were to 'march 
out of camp with all the honors of war to a 
named place, where they were to deposit their 
arms and leave their artillery ; to be allowed a 
free embarkation and passage to Europe, upon 
condition of not serving again in America dur- 
ing the present war ; the officers to wear their 
side arms, all private property to be retained, 
and no baggage searched.' These were very 
generous conditions when we consider how 
completely the British were in our power ; and 
General Gates also showed great delicacy in 
ordering his army within their own lines, that 
they might not witness the humiliation of 
the English as they stacked their arms. The 
sick and wounded also received every attention 
and kindness among the victors, the more to 
their praise, as at this very time they had re- 
ceived the news of horrible desolation, pillage, 
and burning in some of the beautiful villages 



240 Tme Stories of the American Fathers. 

on the lower Hudson by the British under 
Clinton. 

"Gates immediately dispatched the tidings 
to Congress. On being introduced into the 
hall, the messenger said, 'The whole British 
army has laid down arms at Saratoga ; our own, 




HORATIO GATES. 

full of vigor and courage, expect your orders.' 
Congress voted thanks to General Gates and 
his army, and presented him with a medal of 
gold. The captive army was ordered to maich 
for Boston. It passed through the ranks of the 
victorious army, drawn up for the purpose. 
*The English expected to be scoffed at and in- 



Biu'goyne Sitrrenders his Whole Army. 241 

suited ; not an American uttered a syllable ; a 
memorable example of moderation and military 
discipline.' " 

" Good for our side ! " exclaimed Harry. 
" Never trample on a fallen foe ; it wouldn't be 
American manners." 

"There's the tea bell," said little Stevey; 
*' how is your appetite, Nannie ? " 

" Very good, I thank you, Stevey." 




242 True Stories of the American Fathers. 




CHAPTER XVII. 

"Washington Loses Philadelphia— Grander in Defeat 
than in Victory— Valley Forge— An Arnay of Heroes. 

''x.ffl^THAT did I give you as the date of 
Burgoyne's surrender, children ? " 
" You said the terms were signed on 
the 17th of October, 1777," answered Albert. 

"Very true. While these important events 
took place in northern New York, but yet be- 
fore the surrender, let us see what goes on in 
Washington's camp in New Jersey in August 
of the same year. He dared not move from his 
position until he could discover what Howe's 
plan of summer campaign would be, and he was 
in the best possible place to watch his move- 
ments. He concluded that Howe would either 
go up the Hudson to co-operate with Burgoyne, 
or make another attempt to capture Phila- 
delphia. To do this he might march across 
New Jersey as before, or he might embark on 
board the fleet of his brother. Admiral Howe, 
and, going round by sea, either ascend the Del- 
aware to the city, or enter the Chesapeake Bay 
sail to its head, disembark his army, and march 



Valley Forge — An Army of Heroes. 243 

to the city. It was barely possible that he 
might contemplate an expedition still further 
south ; though this last was not probable, as the 
hot season was now far advanced. Washington, 
therefore, stood still until Howe should make 
his move. 

" Fortunately for our cause, Howe could not 
rid himself of the ambition or delusion that the 
capture of Philadelphia was a military achieve- 
ment of the very highest importance. He 
therefore declined to ascend the Hudson River 
to Burgoyne's aid, though he did dispatch Gen- 
eral Clinton in that direction with a body of 
men to reduce some forts on the upper Hudson. 
That general took one or two posts, burned 
some villages, and plundered and ravaged the 
poor people. Howe thought by this to draw 
Gates off from Burgoyne, and also to deceive 
Washington, but he failed to do either. Howe 
at last embarked his army and stood out for 
sea. Washington ordered a strict watch all 
along the coast, and the first appearance of the 
fleet to be transmitted to him. After some 
days they were seen at the mouth of the Dela- 
ware. Still Washington did not move, as it 
might only be a maneuver. The fleet disap- 
peared, and was not seen for several days. 
Washington thought it might be possible that 



244 True Stones of the American Fathers, 

Howe would yet return to New York and as- 
cend the Hudson. The reason he so strongly 
suspected Howe of this move was because it 
would have been his highest wisdom to do so. 
Had Washington been in Howe's position it 
was doubtless what he would have done, though 
it was what he ardently hoped Howe would 
not do. 

"Some days after, the fleet sailed into the 
Bay of Chesapeake, and Washington was no 
longer in doubt concerning Howe's real inten- 
tions. He forthwith put his army on the march, 
and ordered the militia of Pennsylvania, Dela- 
ware, Maryland, and Northern Virginia to join 
him below Philadelphia. His army reached fif- 
teen thousand men, not more than ten thousand 
of them regulars, the remainder being militia, 
some of whom had seen no service. Howe's 
army was about twenty thousand strong, heavily . 
equipped and armed. Washington took post 
behind the Brandywine Creek, some miles south 
and west of Philadelphia, and awaited the attack. 
September 1 1 was the battle-day. You all look 
very eager and happy, dear children ; of course, 
you expect me to tell you how handsomely 
Washington gained the battle." 

"Yes, that is just what we are waiting to 
hear," said Nannie. 



Valley Forge — An Army of Heroes, 245 

" I am sorry to tell you he lost it." 

"Too bad!" ejaculated Harry. "And did 
they get into Philadelphia } " 

" They did, indeed." 

" I never could quite understand why Wash- 
ington should have lost the battle of Brandy- 
wine," said Albert. " It was his best chance 
for a field victory." 

" You must always consider the difference 
between trained soldiers, whose trade is war, 
and hastily gathered militia, who perhaps never 
stood in action before. The British arms were 
also every way superior. Howe planned and 
maneuvered admirably, and was well seconded 
by able generals, among whom the German, 
Knyphausen, showed here, as he did elsewhere, 
great military skill. Remember, too, that Ar- 
nold and Morgan were not there ; Washington 
had magnanimously sent them to the aid of 
Gates. They were towers of strength in battle. 
Howe succeeded in deceiving Washington's 
aids, who brought him false intelligence. The 
battle was gained by ruse, that is, trickery, 
which, you know, is perfectly admissible in war. 
The fighting was good on both sides until the 
republican ranks gave way under the heavy 
masses of English and German infantry, chas- 
seurs, grenadiers, and guards, that were succes- 



246 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

sively hurled against them. The rout would 
have become general, and the defeat more dis- 
astrous, but General Greene, who, for admirable 
generalship, was only second to Washington, 
opened his ranks to let the fugitives pass 
through and then closed them again, and, facing 
the enemy, he covered the retreat, which was 
conducted in good order. The French officers 
who served under Washington particularly dis- 
tinguished themselves for gallantry. The Baron 
St. Ovary was made prisoner, which was much 
regretted. Captain de Fleury had a horse killed 
under him in the hottest of the action. Con- 
gress gave him another a few days after. La 
Fayette received a painful wound in the leg, 
but refused to retire, continuing to cheer on 
his soldiers and rally the faint-hearted. Count 
Pulaski, a noble Pole, performed prodigies of 
valor at the head of his light horse. Congress 
conferred upon him the rank of brigadier- 
general." 

''Albert," said Stevey, raising his little pale 
face off the pillow, "don't forget to set their 
names among your heroes ; what a long list 
you'll have." 

'' ril remember them, Stevey." 

"Among our own troops the Virginians and 
Pennsylvanians especially distinguished them- 



Valley Forge — An Army of Heroes, 247 

selves for gallantry. They could not save the 
battle, however, and the first news of the defeat 
was brought into Philadelphia by straggling, 
fugitives from the army, who arrived in small 
parties through by-ways and by short cuts. The 
day following the whole army reached the city. 
Congress showed a fine courage in the face of 
so great a reverse, and continued their sittings 
in order to reassure the hopes of the people. 
In fact they made a light matter of it. To 
Washington, the loss of the battle was doubtless 
a bitter disappointment. If so he kept it in his 
heart. For the rest, he encouraged his soldiers, 
with the kindness of a father gathered up the 
stragglers, and held his forces well in hand, ready 
for better fortune. Reinforcements joined him, 
and on the i6th Howe, who had come up slowly, 
encumbered with his sick and wounded, found 
the vanquished army again ready for battle. 

" When both sides were prepared for action 
1 violent rain-storm prevented the battle. The 
muskets and cartridge-boxes of the Ameri- 
cans being illy constructed, their powder and 
irms were useless for the time. Washington 
y'ielded to necessity and fell back. Congress 
idjourned to Lancaster with the public archives 
ind treasures. On the 26th of September, 1777, 

:he British entered Philadelphia. 
16 



248 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

" Washington now calmly considered the posi- 
tion of affairs. He remembered- that the British 
once held Boston, and the conquest ended in 
disgrace. They had also captured JNew York, 
but beyond affording a good harbor for the fleet 
it had very little advanced their cause. Now 
the choice had been between risking the fate 
of the army and the loss of the capital. They 
were not to be compared. The preservation of 
his army meant the preservation of the cause 
for which they contended. The loss of one of 
their cities was small in comparison, even were 
it the capital. He, however, resolved to risk a 
surprise attack on the British camp at German- 
town, a village near Philadelphia. It was made 
and failed, because of unforeseen difficulties that 
met them on their arrival ; the chief obstacle 
being a dense fog that hung over the camp, and 
prevented their seeing the enemy or directing 
their own movements with any certainty. The 
brave spirit of Washington bowed in humility 
before what seemed the decrees of Providence. 

" He prepared to lead his army into winter- 
quarters. Congress saw the wisdom of the 
American chief They sanctioned all his plans, 
conferring larger powers upon him than he had 
ever exercised heretofore^ to do whatever he 
considered best for the cause in which they 



Valley Forge — An Army of Heroes. 249 

were alike interested. As for Howe and the 
British, they were exceedingly disappointed to 
find that the loss of their capital sat so lightly 
on the people. They were still undismayed 
and unconquered ; indeed, the British army 
found themselves close prisoners in the city, 
for Washington and his army hovered in the 
vicinity, protecting the country from plunder, 
capturing the enemy's foraging parties, and pre- 
venting supplies from going into the British 
camp. They had also obstructed the river so 
effectually that Admiral Howe could not ascend 
it to assist his brother, or furnish him with 
provisions. Howe at once addressed himself 
to the task of capturing the batteries on the 
shore, while the admiral proceeded to take up 
the obstructions in the river. With incredible 
trouble and a great deal of hard fighting they 
succeeded in taking the batteries and opening 
up a narrow ship channel to the city, and Gen- 
eral Howe depended mainly on his brother to 
feed his army, with the assistance of the few 
tories who occasionally brought in supplies by 
stealth. 

" Meantime Washington had selected for his 
quarters a place about twenty miles from Phila- 
delphia, called Valley Forge, a rocky hollow 
among hills, where the soldiers built rude huts 



250 True Stories of the American Fathers, 

to screen them from the biting blasts. Wash- 
ington spent here the dreariest, darkest, bitterest 
hours of his Hfe. Howe and his army were the 
least of his foes. Heaven and earth seemed to 
be arrayed against him. Providence had been 
pleased to appoint him defeat instead of victory ; 
but a greater anguish wrung his heart, even the 
daily sight of his faithful soldiers battling with 
cold, hunger, nakedness, disease, and death. 
Some had not even straw to lie on. Their bed 
was the cold winter ground ; a very few had 
blankets. Soipe had one shirt, many none 
at all. Most were barefoot. They were poor- 
ly and irregularly fed. This brought disease. 
They had no comfortable hospitals, no invalid 
delicacies, and the noble fellows breathed out 
their lives by hundreds. It was Washington's 
fate to see all this misery, as the pale hand was 
stretched out to clasp for the last time that of 
the beloved commander, and the languid eye 
raised to catch his lookof 'sympathy and tender- 
ness." 

" Why, what were the people about," asked 
Nannie with a tremulous voice, " that they 
didn't bring their blankets, and clothing, and 
every thing they had, for such soldiers t " 

" Well, my dear, it is impossible to keep an 
army supplied by private gifts and charities. 



Valley Forge — An Army of Heroes. 251 

Give me your attention and I will explain some 
of the reasons for this suffering. As I told you 
before, the country was very poor in gold and 
silver ; all that could be obtained was sent abroad 
to buy powder, arms, and clothing for the army, 
for these were of the first necessity, and there 
were few of these they manufactured in our 
country at that time. For home money the 
Congress had issued paper bills, and each State 
also issued their own paper money ; but the 
people had not confidence in it ; they would not 
take it in exchange for provisions, or any thing 
they had to sell, if they could avoid it. You 
know the farmers were poor ; they depended up- 
on the sale of their cattle and crops to support 
their families, and the British always paid them 
in gold lor whatever they bought. This was a 
great temptation to poor people, when they 
would rather have sold to the American 
army if they could have paid them. Often 
when provisions and clothing were ordered they 
did not arrive in time, and that caused great 
suffering. For instance, Harry, you had your 
dinner at the usual time to-day and ate heartily ; 
but I think you'll be quite ready for the supper 
bell." 

" Yes, that I will, for I skated two hours on the 
pond this afternoon, and I just feel as if I hadn't 



252 True Stories of the Americaft Fathers. 

eaten any thing for a week. I am as hungry 
as a bear." 

" Well, suppose by some domestic catastrophe 
the next meal couldn't be furnished. Suppose 
that to-morrow morning, instead of buckwheat 
cakes and sausages, you were exhorted to con- 
tent yourself with a small-sized crust without 
butter, and washed down with clear spring 
water ; at dinner a few beans, with the apology 
that the market wagon had broken down some 
miles away on a bad road ; and spiced with a 
promise of something really nice and hot for 
supper." 

" Heart-rending ! " exclaimed the hungry 
boy. 

" Clothing, too, and blankets, which had been 
ordered for this winter from Europe, were much 
delayed by contrary winds, and want of transpor- 
tation to the camp after they reached the coun- 
try. All complaints and grievances were of 
course lodged with the commander-in-chief for 
final remedy. It was impossible for Washington 
to be military commander, commissary general, 
medical director, and, in short, every thing ; yet 
all these cares in a measure came upon him. 
At last he ceased to expostulate with Congress 
upon these subjects, for he saw they were pow- 
erless to help him. They could recommend 



Valley Forge — An Army of Heroes. 253 

measures, but they could enforce nothing. He 
therefore wrote to the governors of the different 
States, as well as to influential individuals every- 
where, urging them to relieve the sufferings of 
the starving perishing heroes of Valley Forge. 
This course brought relief at last, but not before 
they had endured untold sufferings with a 
patient and unmurmuring fortitude that ought 
to live in the memory of America down through 
all time. 

" Washington also sent his thoughts and his 
influence beyond the seas in behalf of his coun- 
try, thus adding to his labors the duties of 
foreign minister. He wrote to Benjamin Frank- 
lin, then envoy at the court of France, causing 
his views to be laid in full before the French 
king and his council, declaring that unless France 
would come at once to our aid the struggle 
could not be continued. Another evil that 
Washington contended with was the want of 
paper money, little worth as it was, to pay his 
soldiers and officers. Some of his officers had 
spent their private means, many were in debt, 
and could no longer keep up the appearance 
that became their rank and station in life. Able 
and brave men they were, who would gladly 
have served their country, but pride and self- 
respect compelled them to resign their com- 



254 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

missions. This example was most pernicious 
to the common soldiers, and it^ required all of 
Washington's powers of persuasion and the in- 
fluence of his character to prevent the dissolu- 
tion of his army. He urged Congress to do 
something to meet this difficulty, and they did 
pass an act granting half pay to officers for life, 
and sent speedily all the funds they could com- 
mand for present needs. 

" But to crown all these trials, there were men 
who sought to drag down Washington's fame 
as a soldier and his ability as a commander ; 
who declared that the reverses of New Jersey 
and the loss of Philadelphia were owing to his 
incapacity. Anonymous letters were sent to 
him, also to the President of Congress and to 
the governors of several of the States. They ex- 
tolled Gates for his great victory over Burgoyne, 
forgetting that his army outnumbered the 
British general's more than two to one, and that 
all the circumstances of the case were in his 
favor and against his enemy. One General 
Conway, a foreigner, was at the head of the in- 
trigue, and they hoped to induce Washington to 
resign his commission, that Gates might be ap- 
pointed in his stead. 

" All these things came to Washington's 
knowledge. It did not disturb for a moment 



Valley Forge — An Army of Heroes. 255 

the calmness of his lofty soul. Thoroughly de- 
voted to the cause of his country, ' loving the 
cause more than the honor of serving it,' he 
forgot himself He had no ambition, no self- 
love, no vanity to wound. He wrote to Con- 
gress from Valley Forge, ' that neither interest 
nor ambition had engaged him in the public 
service ; that as far as his abilities had permitted 
he had fulfilled his duty, aiming as invariably at 
the object proposed as the magnetic needlepoints 
to the pole ; that as soon as the nation should 
no longer desire his services, or another should 
be found more capable than himself of satisfying 
its expectations, he should quit the helm, and re- 
turn to private life with as much pleasure as 
ever the wearied traveler retired to rest ; that 
he wished his successor might experience more 
propitious gales and less numerous obstacles ; 
that if his exertions had not answered the expec- 
tations of his fellow-citizens, no one could la- 
ment it more than himself ; ' but, he added, * a day 
would come when the interests of the country 
would no longer require him to conceal truths, 
while his silence now wronged himself Wash- 
ington in these last words had allusion to am- 
bitious men and dishonest contractors who had 
contributed mainly to bring on his army the suf- 
ferings and calamities that I have told you of. 



256 True Stories of the American Fathers, 

These were dark days to the Father of his 
Country ; often he was known to seek some soli- 
tude without the camp and wrestle in prayer 
with the God of battles ; for he refused to de- 
spair, and amid the storm he lashed his soul to 
God's promises and trusted on. In every earn- 
est human life there come such crises, when the 
spirit of man fails before the greatness of the 
occasion, and the human arm is altogether too 
short to save. In these hours the soul may 
reach out through the darkness, and by faith 
lay hold of the powers of the world to come. 
Such extremity is ever God's opportunity ; but 
while he gives the victory, he teaches the lesson 
that no flesh may glory in his sight. Washing- 
ton was not left to ' serve alone,' for God arose 
and scattered his enemies, and he stood in the 
midst of the people loftier, grander, and more 
beloved than ever." 



The French Declare for America, 2$ 7 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

The French declare openly for the American Cause — 
The British more anxious to get safely out of Phila- 
delphia than they were to get into it — French Prom- 
ises better than French Performances. 



■^ 2TLT is time, chil 
(^ upon our fc 



children, that we should look in 
foes and friends across the 
waters." 

"Yes, dear aunty, you have never told us 
what they said in England about Burgoyne^s 
surrender." 

** I will tell you this evening. As you may 
suppose, the king and his ministers, and all the 
enemies of America, were gloomy enough at 
such ill news. Burgoyne's army had been fitted 
out at vast expense, and their expectations were 
in proportion. They blamed General Howe 
very much because he did not obey instructions 
by going up the Hudson to Burgoyne's assist- 
ance, instead of leading his large and splendid- 
ly equipped army to the fruitless victory of the 
capture of Philadelphia, which, after all, became 
only snug prison -quarters for his soldiers, with 
Washington's army for their keepers, Howe, 
in turn, blamed them for not furnishing the 



258 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

promised re-inforcements in time, and asked 
leave to resign. 

" The ministers accepted his resignation and 
appointed CHnton his successor. He was then 
with the army in Philadelphia. The hope of 
conquering the American people was dying out 
in England. They had gone to vast expense in 
raising the formidable armies they had sent out 
the year before under the leadership of the very 
ablest general the British army could boast. 
The results were worse than nothing, for their 
victories were turned into defeats, and their de- 
feats were disastrous without remedy. The 
name of America was honored throughout Eu- 
rope, while England's banners were hung with 
disgrace. In short, nobody wished them well. 
Still they would not give up the struggle ; they 
had a large force in America, and a great num- 
ber of British war ships in our waters. They 
determined to hold out yet longer, hoping that the 
poverty and exhaustion of the Americans would 
compel them to submit. They knew well the 
poverty and the sufferings of the people and the 
armies, and expected to starve them out. The 
British ministers and the king were truly sorry 
they had ever undertaken this work of conquer- 
ing America by force of arms. They would 
gladly give them, now all, and more than all, the 



The French Declare for America. 259 

rights and guarantees they had demanded be- 
fore the war if they would only consent to come 
again under British rule, and abandon the idea 
of being an independent nation. 

" But they repented too late. Parliament sent 
commissioners to America to try to make terms 
with them. They wanted, if possible, to treat 
with the States separately, and so break up this 
hated union, which was the rock of their ship- 
wreck. The States refused to treat with them. 
Congress would not admit them to an audience. 
They then addressed themselves to influential 
individuals, with no better success. They in- 
sulted General Reed by offering him ;£ 10,000, 
and any office in the king's gift, if he would leave 
the service of his country. The brave man gave 
for answer, * Poor as I am, the king of England 
is not rich enough to buy me.' 

" But let us look in now at the French court, 
and see what hope was there for America. You 
remember I told you that there was no real 
sympathy for our cause with the French king 
and his ministers. If they came to our aid it 
would be not that they loved us, but that they 
hated England. So it was with Spain and the 
Dutch. They had all suffered in time past at the 
hands of the English. England was stronger 
than they, and used her strength without scruple. 



25o Tnie Stones of the American Fathers. 

Now they rejoiced that she was about to lose 
her most valuable possessions. In every nation 
we had many true sympathizers, for there is a 
kinship among heroes the world over. The 
French people were enthusiastic in praise and 
admiration of American valor, but the French 
government still hung back from declaring open- 
ly for our cause. Now Washington and Frank- 
lin and the Congress came wisely to the con- 
clusion that they had heard enough of French 
promises, and they would force them to come to 
some decision. They suspected them of double 
dealing. They were most greedy after all man- 
ner of advantages of trade and commerce, 
seemed to be intent upon making all they could 
out of our misfortunes, and were full of diplo- 
matic tricks. Franklin determined to fight 
them with their own weapons, and, seeking an 
audience with the ministers, informed them 
that if they did not at once declare for Ameri- 
ca, and assist her with their fleets and armies, 
Congress would proceed to open negotiations 
with England with a view to a reconciliation, as 
the British Parliament were willing to grant 
them favorable terms. This, as Franklin desired, 
frightened the French Government into action." 
** Good," said Harry ; " if you're coming, come 
along." 



The French Declare for America. 261 

'* Yes, they were terrified at the thought of 
their old enemy, England, regaining her valuable 
colonies and her ancient power over them, and 
at last, on the 6th of February, 1778, a treaty 
was concluded between his most Christian Ma- 
jesty Louis XVL, King of France, and the United 
States of America. This treaty acknowledged 
the independence of the nation, and recognized 
her among the nations of the earth. After 
many articles concerning trade and commerce, 
the two nations engaged to assist each other 
with good offices, counsel and arms. It was 
agreed that neither party should conclude truce 
or peace with England without the consent of 
the other. They were not to lay down arms 
until the independence of the United States 
should be acknowledged by treaties that should 
terminate the war. British pride was stung to 
the quick when it was announced that France 
had recognized the revolted subjects of England 
as a nation. No greater insult, indeed, could be 
offered by one friendly nation to another. The 
heart of old England throbbed with new life, and 
the spirit of the nation was aroused by this 
French interference with her family quarrel. 
In justice to themselves, they must at once de- 
clare war against France for so great an insult. 
France, of course, expected this, but she felt her- 



262 True Stoties of the American Fathers. 

self now ready for it. So great was the indig- 
nation of England at these French proceedings 
that many members of Parliament would have 
been willing to acknowledge the independence 
of America, make peace with her, and turn the 
whole force of the kingdom against France. 

" Upon hearing these opinions, that great 
old Enghsh statesman, Chatham — he who had 
pleaded the cause of the American colonies 
from the first oppressive act of Parliament until 
he retired from the ministry — he who had warned 
the king and the lords of Council of their folly 
and madness toward America — though bowed 
with age and infirmity, had himself carried into 
the House of Lords to raise his dying voice 
against the rending of the kingdom by giving 
up the American colonies. He still thought it 
possible to make an honorable peace with them, 
and retain them under British rule. Chatham 
had made England what she was ; he had 
raised her to a height of splendor never before 
reached. It was the work of his life, the fruit 
of his genius. Now, in his old age, he saw the 
fair fabric tottering to its fall. He concluded 
his speech with these words, the last of his life : 
'My lords, I have made an effort beyond the 
powers of my constitution to come down to the 
House on this day to express the indignation I 



The French Declare for America. 263 

feel at an idea, which I understand has been 
proposed to you, of yielding up the sovereignty 
of America. My lords, I rejoice that the grave 
has not closed upon me ; that I am still alive to 
lift up my voice against the dismemberment of 
this ancient and most noble monarchy. Surely 
this nation is no longer what it was ! Shall a 
people that seventeen years ago was the terror 
of the world now stoop so low as to tell its 
ancient, inveterate enemy, France, Take all we 
have, only give us peace ! Let us at least make 
one effort ; and, if we must fall, let us fall like 
men ! ' 

" To his argument it was replied by other 
members that the conquest of America by force 
of arms was impossible, and that it would be 
wiser to secure her friendship as an independent 
power than to throw her into the arms of France 
as an enemy. Chatham rose to reply, but he 
swooned and fell in his seat. The old states- 
man's heart was broken ; he never spoke again. 

"Let us hope that to the dying eyes of this 
truly great man was revealed some vision of a 
kingdom that cannot be moved, whose founda- 
tions are in the heavens, whose king is all-pow- 
erful, all-wise, and all-good, and whose ministers 
do always his bidding. 

"The tidings of the French alliance was 
17 



264 True Stories of the American Fathers, 

received with unbounded joy both in France and 
America. The French minister was welcomed 
with the profoundest respect and appropriate 
demonstrations, both by the American people 
and by Congress. Monsieur Gerard, the French 
minister, delivered his letters of credence, signed 
by Louis XVI., and directed to his ' Very dear 
great friends and allies, the President and Mem- 
bers of the General Congress of the United 
States of America.' Gerard accompanied these 
letters with a friendly speech, full of good hopes 
and wishes for the success of the two nations. 
The president of Congress, Henry Laurens, 
answered with great ease and dignity. The 
authorities of Pennsylvania, many strangers 
and eminent persons, officers of the army, and 
others, were present on this occasion. The 
national joy was without measure. 

" The military plans of the British were neces- 
sarily entirely changed by these events. Orders 
were dispatched immediately to General Clin- 
ton to evacuate Philadelphia and take position 
again at New York. This was necessary be- 
cause the French fleets were already afloat and 
steering toward the shores of America. It was 
feared that they would arrive in time to block 
up Admiral Howe's fleet in the Delaware, and 
that they should then have a more disastrous 



The French Declare for America. 265 

surrender than that of Burgoyne. England 
could afford no further reinforcements to Amer- 
ica at this time, and even found it necessary to 
detach troops from America to strengthen her 
garrisons in the West India Islands, which they 
knew would soon be points of attack by the 
French navy. They also designed to move the 
seat of war from the Northern to the Southern 
States ; finally hoping to find, in the open fer- 
tile plains of the South, inhabited by the king's 
friends, a better field for their military move- 
ments, and some consolation for their disasters 
in the cold, mountainous, and difficult regions 
of the North, which swarmed with rebels. Gen- 
eral Clinton would have embarked his army at 
Philadelphia on Howe's fleet and sent them 
round by sea to New York, but it was feared 
they might fall in with the French fleet. Noth- 
ing remained but to cross New Jersey, encum- 
bered with their baggage and provisions, for 
they were not only going through an enemy's 
country, but also a country devastated and 
wasted by war, so that they could not depend 
upon it for supplies. The whole army passed 
the Delaware early on the 22d of June, 1778. 
Washington broke up his camp at Valley Forge, 
and put his army in motion. He ordered Mor- 
gan with his light horse to infest their skirts, 



266 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

trample on their heels, pick up their baggage, 
capture their stragglers, and annoy and harass 
them in every possible way." 

*' Was that the Morgan who was with Mont- 
gomery in Canada?" asked Nannie. 

" The same. He was at the surrender of 
Burgoyne, too. Wherever danger was to be 
braved or glory won, we shall always find 
him." 

" I hope he made it uncomfortable for them," 
said Harry. " I wouldn't have let them have 
as much as a blackberry by the way. I wonder 
Washington didn't pound them up, and be done 
with it." 

" Easier said than done, my boy. British 
mortars and pounders were harder and better 
made than Washington's. Besides, it is impos- 
sible for one army to demolish another in battle. 
It is a game at which both must play. In ex- 
hausting your enemy you exhaust yourself, and 
the fighting stops from sheer exhaustion. It 
had been decided in council not to force a battle 
unless success seemed certain. They followed 
the enemy across New Jersey to Monmouth. 
The British moved slowly, encumbered with so 
much baggage, ■ and excessively annoyed by 
Morgan. They lost a great many by deser- 
tion, especially of the Hessians. At Monmouth 



The French Declare for America. 267 

Washington could no longer refrain from bring- 
ing on an engagement ; but his orders were im- 
perfectly carried out, especially by General Lee, 
who in council had voted against the attack. 
His troops gave way, and the tide of battle was 
turning against us, when Washington, who on 
this occasion 'was not master of his anger,' 
hurried to the rescue in person, addressed a 
sharp reprimand to Lee in the presence of his 
men, rallied the troops, and redeemed the for- 
tunes of the day. Night closed with great 
advantage to the Americans. The men slept 
on their arms, intending to renew the battle 
on the morrow ; but Clinton thought not, and 
wisely, under cover of darkness, stole away 
unperceived. 

"The June heat (it was the 29th of the 
month) was excessive, and Washington thought 
it not prudent to give chase. Many of his men 
died from exhaustion after the battle of the 
previous day, and he ordered a day of rest and 
refreshment. Clinton pushed forward, and ar- 
rived at Sandy Hook, where Howe was waiting 
with his transports to take his army across to 
New York." 

"Hurra, Stevey!" exclaimed Harry; "the 
king of France marched up the hill, and then 
marched down again. From New York to 



268 True Stories of the Americaii Fathers. 

Philadelphia, and from Philadelphia back to 
New York. I wonder how they liked it." 

"They did not like it at all. The British 
were exceedingly mad against us, from King 
George down ; especially so, since the commis- 
sioners that the king had sent to America had 
utterly failed either to frighten, coax, or buy 
the patriots from their duty to their country. 
Before they left these shores they declared that 
henceforth the war would be carried on without 
mercy; and as the Americans had resolved 
to throw themselves into the arms of France 
rather than return to their allegiance to the 
mother country, they would so conduct the war 
as to ravage, plunder, and impoverish the land 
to the utmost, and thus make the prize less rich 
for their enemies, the French. They carried 
this out to the letter, as we shall see." 

" How wicked and detestable of them," said 
Nannie. 

"You remember I told you that war meant 
every form of barbarous cruelty and wrong. It 
is a fearful wickedness for a Christian nation to 
make war for any cause whatever. Defensive 
wars may be justifiable, after forbearance ceases 
to be a virtue. Happily, it is written, 'They 
that take the sword shall perish by the sword.' 
But, in any case, once * let slip the dogs of war,* 



The French Declare for America. 269 

and you can have only anguish and desolation. 
Nothing less need be expected. 

" Meantime the much-talked-of French fleet, 
under Count d'Estaing, had arrived, but, as it 
proved in the end, to very little purpose, as he 
and Admiral Howe played a game of * hide and 
seek' all summer. D'Estaing came a few days 
too late to blockade the mouth of the Delaware. 
He then followed Admiral Howe to New York, 
and being in much better condition, with many 
more guns, ought to have attacked immediately. 
Though the English admiral knew he was in 
no condition to measure swords with his adver- 
sary, yet such was his English pride that he 
drew up his ships and bravely offered battle. 
This happy show of courage, together with an 
adverse tide, decided the French admiral to de- 
cline battle, and he sailed away toward New- 
port, a spacious harbor on the coast of Rhode 
Island, which the English had held almost from 
the commencement of the war, and which the 
Americans much wished to recover. If he had 
stayed a few days longer in the vicinity of New- 
York, he would have been fortunate enough to 
pick up the war vessels of Admiral Byron, who 
had been sent from England to reinforce Howe, 
for a great storm met them on approaching the 
coast and separated them, so they straggled in 



270 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

one by one, and would have fallen an easy prey 
to the French fleet. But d'Estaing missed his 
opportunity. All Byron's ships came safely in 
at last, and Howe feeling himself quite a match 
for d'Estaing, went in search of him to bring 
him to battle. 

"The Frenchman sailed boldly out of New- 
port harbor to meet the English fleet ; but 
when, after a whole day's maneuvering to get 
the advantage of the wind, they were at last in 
position for battle, a violent gale set in, and a 
furious storm arose, and beat both French and 
English vessels about so roughly that they 
thought no more of fighting each other, but 
only of getting safely back to the harbors from 
which they had sailed. Here they were occupied 
for some time in refitting and repairing damages. 
Afterward d'Estaing had a fair chance to cap- 
ture Newport, as the English fleet was greatly 
inferior to his own, and Washington dispatched 
General Sullivan to co-operate with him by land. 
At the last moment, when all was ready, the 
Americans having at great expense equipped 
the expedition, d'Estaing announced his in- 
tention to sail away to Boston harbor. The 
Americans protested against such a measure, 
and La Fayette besought him not to desert 
the cause dX the moment when victory seemed 



The French Declare for America. 271 

certain, as such conduct would have the effect 
to disgust the Americans with their new 
aUies. 

Notwithstanding these entreaties, he sailed 
away at his own appointed time, August 23, 
and reached Boston in three days. The Amer- 
icans were very angry, and justly so, as it left 
the land forces in great danger, especially as 



GENERAL GREENE. 



Admiral Howe came into Newport harbor as 
soon as d'Estaino: sailed out of it, for he was 



272 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

still determined to give him a sound thrashing 
before he left for England. However, with much 
skill the American Generals Greene and Sulli- 
van, with La Fayette, managed to bring off their 
forces without loss, though it was a very narrow 
escape. Howe then sailed away to Boston 
harbor after d'Estaing, but he had got safely 
into port, and Howe dared not pass the batteries 
to attack him. So he returned again to New 
York harbor after his fruitless chase, where he 
resigned his command to Admiral Byron, and 
returned to England." 

" Well, I'm sorry he did not find him and 
give him a black eye for his trifling," said 
Harry. 

" Not exactly," explained Albert, " remember 
the French and Americans are on the same 
side. If you whip them, you whip us." 

"Admiral Byron, as soon as he was ready, 
started in search of d'Estaing to chastise him, 
but a tempest met him and damaged him so 
severely that he was obliged to put into New- 
port harbor, and d'Estaing took this opportu- 
nity to sail away from Boston, and take his 
course for the West Indies. Admiral Byron 
followed him as soon as he was able, to look 
after British interests in the Islands. At the 
same time Colonel Campbell with a British 



The French Declare for America. 273 

force was sent from New York to enter and 
overrun the State of Georgia. Thus early in 
the year 1 779 the scene of war shifted suddenly 
from North to South. 



"^^Mb^m^ 



274 Tnce Stories of the American Fathers. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

France, Spain, and. Holland unite against England 
— SJtie makes heroic resistance, but continues the 
war upon America with ferocity — The tide of bat- 
tle flows Southward and the British take Charles- 
ton. 

" T(Iw HAT was the situation last evening, 

^ Albert?" 

" The French and English fleets 
had left our coasts and gone to the West India 
Islands, and a British army had landed at Sa- 
vannah, Georgia, to make war upon the South- 
ern provinces." 

" The date ? " 

"January, 1779." 

" Yes. We have also Clinton at New York, 
with the army he brought across New Jersey, 
besides full garrisons in all the New York 
defenses. 

" For four years from this date the English 
and French fleets swept the seas in pursuit of 
each other ; Spain, and finally Holland, joined 
France against England, and their fleets were 
combined for her destruction. From looking 



The Tide of Battle Flozvs Southward. 275 

mean and contemptible, which a strong power 
always does when oppressing a weak one, En- 
gland looked grandly now, struggling with such 
fearful odds. Even her foes respected her. 
Their object was to destroy her power at sea, 
where she had long domineered in every part 
of the world, to the great disadvantage of the 
other European powers. We cannot now fol- 
low these fleets in all the details of their move- 
ments. They were very much in this style : 
France would seize an island belonging to En- 
gland, soon England would seize one belonging 
to France. Now the Spanish would fall upon 
a convoy of English merchant ships coming in- 
to port, richly freighted, from the East Indies ; 
again the English would catch a fleet of French 
merchantmen, and then the French would cap- 
ture a fleet of English merchantmen. Varying 
from these thefts and high-sea robberies, the 
fleets having met with wind and tide favorable for 
action would come to battle, and batter and splin- 
ter each other's vessels about equally. Splen- 
did sea fights, they were, well set with valors, 
heroisms, and magnanimities beautiful to read of, 
and wounds, agonies, and deaths fearful to hear 
of; sometimes grappling their ships together, 
fighting hand to hand, refusing to surrender, 
and at the last ships and men going down to- 



276 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

gether into the deep with their colors flying — • 
* There was sorrow on the sea/ in truth." 

" O, aunty, do tell us about the sea fights, I 
love to hear it," said Harry. 

" Not now, Harry ; when I have leisure I will 
read you some descriptions of them ; at present 
I want to draw your attention to the fact that 
though an over-ruling Providence suffered En- 
gland to be chastised, crippled, and humbled, 
yet he did not suffer her to be destroyed. The 
combined fleets of France, Spain, and Holland, 
though so much stronger, were not able to over- 
whelm her. Once or twice heaven came to her 
aid as by a miracle. Once the fleets of France 
and Spain appeared off the coast of Great 
Britain. They consisted of sixty-six ships of the 
line, followed by a cloud of frigates, cutters, and 
fire ships ; also a squadron of observation of six- 
teen ships of the line. Besides this immense 
armada — one of the most formidable the ocean 
had ever borne — three hundred transports were 
in reserve on the coasts of France. Forty thou- 
sand men lined the shores of Normandy, well 
equipped and drilled. They intended to make 
a descent upon the English coasts. England's 
doom seemed certain : she had a very small land 
force, and her naval defense at this time was 
thirty-eight ships of the line, under Admiral Sir 



The Tide of Battle Flows Southward. 277 

Charles Hardy. All that he could do was to 
stand off and on, near the mouth of the channel ; 
and his only hope was to entice the enemy into 
the narrowest part of the channel, where superi- 
ority of numbers would not avail him. But 
help came from heaven. North-east gales set in 
furiously, and drove and scattered this mighty 
naval armament ; and when the gales ceased, 
pestilence attacked the crews, and they were 
compelled to retire without effecting any part 
of their object. More than five thousand sailors 
died of the epidemic. At another time, when 
by a powerful combination the French and 
Spanish tried to break down her power, and the 
prospect was that she would be completely 
driven from the West Indies, having no visible 
strength to resist, a hurricane and plague again 
came to her aid, and saved her." 

" But don't you think England deserved to be 
punished for her treatment to our Fathers t " 
asked Nannie. 

" She was well punished, my dear ; but it 
would have been a real calamity to the general 
interest of the world for England to have been 
overwhelmed by France and Spain. The En- 
glish nation is a great and valuable nation. She 
is not always, perhaps never, adequately repre- 
sented by her government. Governments often 



278 True Stones of the American Fathers. 

do foolishly and wickedly, and the people are 
wronged and shamed by it. If the English 
people could have voted whether they should go 
to war with America, it is not likely there would 
have been an American war. England has 
played a wise and great character in European 
affairs, and has been the bulwark of Protestant 
Christianity in Europe. I am glad that she 
was crippled and exhausted so that at last 
she was obliged to stop the war in America, 
and let our Fathers go in peace ; yet I am not 
only glad, but thankful, that Providence saved 
her from destruction by the Catholic powers of 
Europe. 

" We must now return to our own country, 
and see what is taking place in Carolina. This 
sudden shifting of the war from the North to the 
South found the Southern provinces very illy 
prepared to resist the invasion. Colonel Camp- 
bell landed on the coast, near Savannah, and 
found the Americans drawn up for battle. The 
Hessians and Highlanders rushed to the attack 
with great impetuosity, easily breaking the 
ranks of the raw Carolina militia. The regu- 
lars were too few to restore the fortunes of the 
day, and soon dispersed. Savannah fell into 
the hands of the British, and, as there was 
no organized force to oppose them, they over- 



The Tide of BattL Flows Southward. 279 

ran the State, and took post at Augusta, in 
order that they might assemble the tories, 
the king's friends, who inhabited the upper 
part of the country. Colonel Campbell, encour- 
aged by so faint a resistance, sent a force into 
South Carolina to capture the harbor of Port 
Royal ; but the South Carolina patriots made 
so good a defense that the enemy were forced 
to retire. 

" Meantime the tories in the upper part of the 
States of Georgia and South Carolina had as- 
sembled, and were marching to join the British 
at Augusta ; but the miUtia under Cdonel 
Pickens having once more found their courage, 
intercepted them, and after a sharp fight the 
tories were routed, leaving their leader and a 
large number dead upon the field. The British, 
discouraged by this disaster, left Augusta and 
retreated to Savannah, and kept themselves 
near their ships for safety, Washington felt a 
great anxiety for the Southern States, but was 
unable to move to their relief. He sent, how- 
ever. General Lincoln, a man much esteemed by 
the Southern people. Encouraged by his pres- 
ence and efforts the militia again assembled in 
Considerable numbers, but before Lincoln could 
prepare his forces for battle the British at- 
tacked and routed liim at Briar Creek, Push- 
18 



28o True Stories of the American Fathers. 

ing their advantage, they stole quietly along the 
coast into South Carolina, hoping to surprise 
and capture Charleston, but the patriots of that 
State stood well upon their guard, and the 
British retired again into Georgia. They now 
suspended regular warfare until the summer 
heats should pass and reinforcements from 
New York should arrive. Meanwhile they spent 
the time, especially those German barbarians, 
the Hessians, in plundering every thing they 
could carry away, and in destroying all they 
could not take. 

" You remember the British had given notice 
that henceforth the war should be for their de- 
struction and wasting. Let us see what they 
were doing at the North at this time. Clinton 
had sent a considerable force by sea, to land 
upon the coast of Virginia at Norfolk, where 
supplies were abundant at this season. There 
was none to oppose them, for Washington could 
not spare a man to the defense of his native 
State, because Clinton was at this very moment 
threatening the most important military posts 
on the Hudson. So they plundered and stole 
to their heart's content, loading their vessels 
with provisions and tobacco, which was exceed- 
ingly valuable, and with many thousand barrels 
of meat, just salted and ready to be sent to 



The Tide of Battle Flows Southward. 281 

Washington's army. They burned houses and 
vessels, and left that beautiful country one vast 
plain of smoking ashes. 

" Returning to New York to discharge their 
booty and receive fresh orders, they were di- 
rected to ravage the coast of Connecticut. This 
coast was full of convenient harbors that shel- 
tered the American privateers with their prizes. 
Privateers are armed vessels that range the 
seas in search of their enemy's ships. Congress 
had authorized this species of high-sea robbery 
— for it is nothing less, though it is done by all 
maritime powers in war. These privateers were 
swift sailers, and being no match for the English 
war vessels, they hung along the coast on the 
watch for English transports bringing provis- 
ions and supplies to the British army. They 
pounced upon their prey, and ran with it into 
any of these little coast harbors. In this way 
many a rich prize was secured." 

Harry thrummed on the table and sang : 

" Will you walk into my parlor, said the spider to the fly, 
It is the prettiest little parlor that ever you did spy." 

He excused himself for the interruption by say- 
ing that he did it to wake Stevey up, who seemed 
to be going to sleep. But little Stevey opened 
his brown eyes very wide, and said he had 



282 True Stories of the American Fathers, 

heard every word, but it rested him more to lie 
with his eyes closed. 

Aunt Edith continued : " The British were de- 
termined to break up these sea-robbers' haunts, 
and they stalked along the coast like destroying 
demons. They spared nothing. Village after 
village was laid in ashes, hundreds of vessels 
were burned, and every excess and cruelty 
committed. And now we will go up the Hud- 
son and see what was doing there. You per- 
haps remember that at the time Burgoyne had 
found himself in such a critical condition, and 
sent earnest entreaties to Howe to come up the 
Hudson to his relief, that general did dispatch 
General Clinton in that direction, to draw 
Gates' attention from Burgoyne. Clinton took 
several strong posts, among them Stony Point. 
Washington much regretted the loss of this 
place, and now determined at this time to at- 
tempt its recovery ; the more so as the English 
had since strengthened it by every military art, 
until it had become a formidable fortress. It 
had a large garrison, and vast quantities of 
stores of all kinds. Washington charged Gen- 
eral Wayne with the recapture of this place, 
and provided him with a strong detachment 
of the most enterprising spirits of his army. 
Wayne was a tornado in battle ; his enthusiasm 



TJie Tide of Battle Flozvs Southward. 283 

amounted to intoxication, so that he had won 
the name of Mad Anthony ! The party set out 
July 15, 1779; the way lay over 'high mount- 
ains, difficult defiles, deep morasses, and roads 
narrow and bad.' They arrived at nightfall 
within a mile of the fort, and Wayne proceeded 
very quietly and cautiously to reconnoiter the 
works. They were not observed by the garri- 
son. 'Wayne formed his corps in two columns, 
and put himself at the head of the right. It 
was preceded by a vanguard of picked men, 
commanded by the brave Fleury. This van- 
guard was itself led by a forlorn hope of twenty 
men, under Lieutenant Gibbon.' " 

"What is a forlorn hope, aunty.?" asked 
Alice. 

"Those who go into battle never to come 
out. Of this forlorn hope of twenty, only three 
survived. The other column was led by Major 
Stewart, with a forlorn hope under Lieutenant 
Knox. They were ordered to march in silence 
with unloaded muskets, for they must win their 
way with fixed bayonets. At midnight they 
charged the defenses of the fort. * The English 
opened a tremendous fire of musketry and can- 
non, but neither the double palisade, nor the 
bastioned ramparts, nor the storm of fire, could 
arrest the Americans; they opened the way 



284 Trite Stories of the American Fathers. 

with their bayonets, scaled the fort, and the 
two columns met in the center of the works. 
A musket-ball grazed Wayne's skull. He fell, 
but, rising on one knee, exclaimed, ' Forward ! 
m j^ brave fellows, forward ! ' He thought him- 
self mortally wounded, and requested his aids 
to assist him forward, as he wished to die in the 
fort ! The garrison surrendered with a loss of 
six hundred killed and prisoners. By command 
of Washington the fort was demolished and all 
its stores brought away. This brave achieve- 
ment was a theme of praise throughout the 
land. Wayne received from Congress a medal 
of gold, Fleury and Stewart one of silver, and 
to the brave soldiers a sum of money was dis- 
tributed equal to the value of the military stores 
taken. 

" Let us look southward again in the fall of 
this same year 1779. Count d'Estaing, who 
had spent the summer in the waters of the 
West Indies, had received letters from the 
American authorities bitterly complaining of his 
conduct. They charged upon him the wasted 
expense of the expedition to Newport, and the 
loss of Savannah and all Georgia for the want 
of his co-operation ; while he had been busy 
enriching France with the valuable conquest of 
the Islands of Dominica, St Vincent, and Gren- 



The Tide of Battle Flows Southward. 285 

ada, leaving his allies to fight their battles alone. 
He therefore resolved to bring his fleet to the 
rescue, and co-operate with Lincoln in the effort 
to retake Savannah. He arrived before Savan- 
nah in September, but finding it in an admirable 
state of defense, it was necessary to enter upon 
a regular siege. By the 9th of October the 
ardent Frenchman, in council with Lincoln, 
who commanded the American forces, ordered 
the assault. It was bravely made, but the de- 
fense was not less so. Forty French officers 
and seven hundred soldiers were killed and 
wounded. Among the wounded officers was 
d'Estaing. The Americans lost four hundred 
killed and wounded, among them the noble 
Pole, Count Pulaski. He left a name revered 
throughout America, and Congress ordered him 
a monument. The city remained to the Brit- 
ish, with very little loss on their side. The 
news of this disastrous failure was received with 
profound sorrow at the North, and the only 
consolation that remained was the fact that the 
British, fearing lest d'Estaing might return to 
the attack on Newport or New York, and not 
being strong enough to defend both points, 
evacuated Newport, in order to make the de- 
fense of New York successful. Thus they were 
frightened away without real cause, and went 



286 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

very hurriedly, leaving much artillery and stores 
behind. 

"Thus closed the year 1779, and 1780 opened 
with new disasters for our Southern friends ; 
for General Clinton, leaving a strong garrison 
for the defense of New York in his absence, 
embarked with a large land and naval force for 
the purpose of capturing Charleston. They suc- 
ceeded in effecting a landing between the city 
and its sea defenses. Thus cut off, Fort Moul- 
trie, which had made so gallant a resistance four 
years before, was now compelled to surrender. 
The American army was surrounded and over- 
powered near Charleston, their artillery and 
baggage were taken, with a large number of 
prisoners. Clinton then laid siege to the de- 
fenses of the city. Thus cut oflf from reinforce- 
ments and supplies, after a siege of forty days, 
Lincoln surrendered the city with his garrison. 
May 12, 1780." 

"*Hail! horrors, hail !' " exclaimed Albert. 

" Indeed, not since the fall of Ticonderoga 
had such a reverse befallen the American arms. 
The garrison included seven general officers, 
six thousand men, four hundred pieces of artil- 
lery, and military stores." 

"I hope the seven general officers were put 
on the retired list," said Harry, indignantly. 



The Tide of Battle Flows SoutJnvard. 287 

"I should very much like to know whose fault 
it was." 

"There was a very loud outcry, I assure 
you, and blameful charges laid here and there. 
These disasters were, however, not without 
their good results ; but I will reserve these for 
to-morrow evening's story." 




2SS True Stories of the America7t Fathers, 



CHAPTER XX.- 

At the South., all is lost except Honor — At the 
North, Treason — Benedict Arnold — Dark Hours. 

<« 'X(l^TE are to hear this evening what good 
jJ?)V came of British victories in the 
South," said Albert. 
" Yes ; it waked the nation up out of a deep 
sleep that had fallen upon it. Ever since the 
aUiance between France and America our coun- 
trymen had seemed to abandon themselves to 
the idea that their independence was accom- 
plished ; their sacrifices and toils they thought 
were over. Washington saw this delusion with 
deep anxiety, and felt that if some remedy was 
not found, it might result in the utter failure of 
the revolution at the very moment when its ripe 
fruits were just within reach. The war had al- 
ready dragged its slow and sorrowful length 
through four years. The sufferings and priva- 
tions of the people were extreme ; there was also 
want of money, for the paper money of the 
country had scarcely any value by this time. 
This made it impossible to feed, clothe, and pay 



Benedict Arnold — Dark Hours. 289 

the army ; men would not enlist with such a 
threefold prospect of death from sword, naked- 
ness, and famine. 

" Washington sent out his warnings and ex- 
hortations to Congress, State Legislatures, and 
individuals throughout the land. Still they 
seemed to sleep, but the disasters at the South 
waked them out of their sleep, and a fresh tide 
of enthusiasm swept over the country. Con- 
gress sent encouraging promises to the patriots 
of the South, who were now hiding among their 
hills and fastnesses, to keep the standard waving, 
and they should shortly have assistance both of 
men and money. The Southern people were 
suffering the most terrible barbarities from the 
British soldiery ; no mercy was shown them. 
Tarleton, a British officer who tracked the beau- 
tiful Carolinas in fire and blood, was especially 
noted for his cruelty. The patriots showed the 
noblest constancy. Many of the best men in 
the State were gibbeted for no other crime than 
faithfulness to the cause they called right. The 
women displayed the most heroic spirit, consol- 
ing their brothers and husbands in their gloomy 
dungeons, and exhorting them to stand to their 
principles. There could scarcely be said to be 
an American army in the State since the capit- 
ulation of Charleston ; but the militia wandered 



290 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

among the hills in small bands, and annoyed 
the enemy to the best of their abihty. 

" The most famous of these militia bands was 
that led by Colonel Sumter, a man greatly es- 
teemed in the community for great military 
genius, and idolized by his men. The militia 
of both Carolinas hastened to join him. They 
had no pay, no uniform.s, and many of them no 
clothing at all — I mean what I say — not a gar- 
ment. Some of them had only moss and leaves 
to prevent the friction of their straps and car- 
tridge boxes against the bare skin. They often 
breakfasted on blackberries, dined on green corn, 
and supped on the remembrance of their dinner. 
Many of them were without arms, and in time 
of battle they waited aside, until wounds, or 
exhaustion, or death, disabled their comrades, 
when they seized their arms and stepped into 
the ranks to fill their places. These brave 
men held up their country's banner until the 
cause was again represented by continental 
troops that Washington dispatched from Vir- 
ginia, Maryland, %nd Delaware, under General 
Gates, to the rescue of the South. 

" Roused by the heroic endurance of their 
Southern brethren, a new spirit animated the 
men and wom^en of the republic. In Philadel- 
phia a society of ladies was organized for the 



Benedict Arnold — Dark Hours. 291 

purpose of furnishing clothing and supplies for 
the soldiers, and Mrs. Washington presided at 
its meetings. The ladies of other cities followed 
this example, and every one contributed some- 
thing of money or labor. Some wealthy and 
influential capitalists also established a public 
bank. Subscriptions and loans poured in from 
every quarter, and the funds were kept entirely 
to meet the want of the soldiers in the field. 
About this time also La Fayette returned from 
France, whither he had gone on a visit, and to 
advance by his influence the interests of America. 
He announced the sailing of seven ships of the 
line, with a number of transports, bringing six 
thousand soldiers, which might now be hourly 
expected in American waters. They soon after 
made their appearance at Newport, and, to 
crown the satisfaction of the people, Washington 
was declared, by appointment of the French 
court. Commander-in-chief of the French forces 
while they remained in America. A new loan 
of specie from France v/as received at this time, 
and the six thousand Frencli soldiers — careless 
of expense, as soldiers generally are — scattered 
their French coin in American shops. All these 
things afforded sensible relief to the country, 
but the tide of disaster at the South had not yet 
turned. 



292 True Storks of the Am^ricajt Fathers, 

" Hearing that Gates, the hero of Saratoga, 
was advancing into the interior of South Caro- 
lina, and that he had menaced the fortified posts 
of the British, Lord Cornwallis, who com- 
manded the British forces, advanced to meet 
him. The two armies encountered at Camden, 
near the center of the State. Gates did not 
display the prudence and abiUty that was ex- 
pected of him, as he allowed Cornwallis to force 
a battle in a position very unfavorable to the 
Americans. They outnumbered the British, but 
from the nature of the ground only a small num- 
ber could operate at one time, and the advan- 
tage of numbers was lost. The consequence was 
the most disastrous reverse that had ever be- 
fallen the American arms. Indeed, the honor 
of the republican cause was only saved by the 
gallantry of the Maryland and Delaware regulars, 
led by Generals Gist and Smallwood, under 
Baron de Kalb. The Americans lost two thou- 
sand killed, wounded, and prisoners, eight 
pieces of cannon, baggage, and stores. The 
British lost only about three hundred. It was 
August of 1780. Gates lost on the field of 
Camden much of the fame he had won on the 
plains of Saratoga. Three days after the battle 
the brave Baron de Kalb, a prisoner, mortally 
wounded, expressed with his dying breath his 



Benedict Arnold— Dark Hours, 293 

high sense of the valor displayed by the troops 
of Maryland and Delaware, declaring the satis- 
faction he then felt in having fallen in defense 
of a cause so noble and to him so dear. The 
Congress ordered that a monument should be 
erected to him at the city of Annapolis, the 
capital of Maryland. 

"The fugitive army retreated into North 
Carolina for safety, and the banner of the re- 
public was no more seen except with Sum- 
ter's band of wild men of the woods, now here, 
now there, alternately pursuing and flying, and 
always keeping the British in terror." 

" Why, aunty, Sumter was a guerrilla," said 
Nannie. 

"Yes, just as Washington was among the hills 
of New Jersey ; both doing the best and wisest 
things possible under the circumstances. 

" While these shameful tidings came from 
the hills of South Carolina, a scene was enacting 
amid the beautiful hills of the Hudson that filled 
the land with horror and indignation. There 
was a scheme so skillfully planned, and so 
adroitly executed up to the final moment, that, 
but for the watchful eye of Him whose angels 
keep the gates of a righteous cause, would have 
brought to nothing the labors, sufferings, and 
glorious achievements of our Fathers." 



294 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

Little Steve crept down from the lounge, and 
climbed into the chair beside Aunt Edith, and 
the children looked very much as children do 
when about to hear a ghost story ; but Albert 
said, " You are going to tell us about Benedict 
Arnold the traitor." 

*' Yes, would you believe it ! the man who 
led that band of heroes through the wilderness 
into Canada ; who afterward led them through 
the blinding hail storm of that fatal New Year's 
eve, 1775, scaled the walls of Quebec and was 
borne from the place of his briUiant but useless 
victory with a shattered limb ; the same Ar- 
nold who on the plains of Saratoga had fought 
with more than human inspiration, until, in the 
moment of triumph, a grievous wound in the 
same limb checked his career and appointed 
him weary months of pain. No braver man 
than Arnold ever led men to battle ; but it was 
physical courage spurred on by self-love. He 
was not brave of soul, for he was in bondage to 
the baser part of his own nature. Conquering 
others, he was himself a slave to his own passions 
and love of gain." 

" O what a pity he didn't die with Mont- 
gomery on that New Year's morning ! " ex- 
claimed Nannie. 

" Yes,'^ added Harry, " then we should always 



Benedict Arnold — Dcxrk Hours. 295 

have loved him, and I don't like to hear any 
thing against him." 

" Just as you feel, so our Fathers and Moth- 
ers felt. He was the nation's idol — the maimed, 
battled-scarred hero — and that was his ruin. He 
drank their idolatry until it intoxicated him. Be- 
ing disabled from his wounds, Congress gave 
him a position at Philadelphia with full' pay, 
without active service. Here he established 
himself in princely splendor, at enormous ex- 
pense, which he could not afford. He speculated 
and gambled. Ill luck overtook him, and he 
found himself entangled in a net of difficulties. 
He was too proud to diminish the splendor of 
his living. Instead, he resolved to defraud the 
treasury of the nation, by presenting false ac- 
counts, which his position gave him the oppor- 
tunity to do." 

" Ah ! that wasn't brave," said Harry, sor- 
rowfully. 

"That is so, Harry. Arnold was a coward. 
The man who had braved cannon ball and steel, 
and had borne the marks of both on his body, 
was a coward now when the battle was no longer 
one of brute force, but a moral encounter be- 
tween right and wrong. His frauds after a 
time were detected. He was tried by court- 
martial, and sentenced to be reprimanded by 
19 



296 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

Washington. A very mild punishment cer- 
tainly, but his pride could not brook it. In the 
depths of his evil nature he swore revenge, but, 
hiding his real feelings, he expressed a desire 
once more to enter into active service, asked for 
the command at West Point on the Hudson, 
and received it. These fortified posts on the 
Hudson River were of the first importance. 
The possession of them had been the object of 
the British since the beginning of the war. 
Burgoyne had for his final object the capture 
of these points. It was to watch and guard 
them that Washington lingered in their vicinity ; 
nor could the distant disasters of the Carolinas, 
nor the desolation of his own State, tempt him 
to leave the defenses of the Hudson. 

" Of these the strongest was West Point. It 
had been fortified until it was pronounced the 
Gibraltar of America. This place Arnold had 
engaged to deliver into the hands of General 
Clinton. He also promised to so divide and 
post his men that they would fall an easy prey 
to the British general. This done, Clinton could''^ 
readily surprise in detail the army of Washing- 
ton, which was posted at various points on both 
banks of the river. It would have involved the 
loss of the army, and all the artillery and stores 
which were deposited here as the safest military 



Benedict Arnold — Dark Hours. 297 

magazine the country could afford. The traitor 
was to receive in return the same rank in the 
British army that he now held from the Ameri- 
can Congress, with large sums of gold. The 
negotiations between Clinton and Arnold were 
carried on by one of Clinton's aids, Major 
Andre, a young British officer, the admiration 
of all who knew him, for his gifts of mind, vir- 
tues of soul, and graces of person. A last inter- 
view was necessary to complete arrangements 
and sign the papers. Major Andre reached 
West Point in safety, and concluded the whole 
affair. When about to return, Arnold insisted 
for his greater safety that he should take a 
citizen's dress ; hitherto he had worn his British 
uniform under an overcoat. Andre did not 
want to do this, but yielded at last to Arnold's 
persuasions. He set off, and passed in safety 
all the posts of the American lines, and was 
within sight of the first British outpost, when he 
was challenged by three soldiers of the militia, 
* who happened to be there,' says the historian ; 
but it appears to me, children, they were there 
by commission from the eternal council cham- 
bers of the God of nations to arrest Major 
Andre. He offered them gold, his watch, and 
rewards and rank in the British army, if they 
would release him. Not they. John Paulding, 



298 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

David Williams, and Isaac Van Vorst, were 
found incorruptible. Thus in the moment when 
one of the most distinguished chiefs of the 
American army, a man celebrated throughout 
the world for his brilliant exploits, betrayed, out 
of base vengeance, the country he had served 
for a purse of gold, three common soldiers 
stood faithfully to that country's cause, and re- 
fused to receive a bribe. 

" Every effort was made by Arnold and the 
British to prove that Andrd was not a spy. 
They did not stint falsehood and duplicity to ac- 
complish this. Unfortunately, it was necessary 
for Major Andre to sustain them by lying also, 
and this he refused to do. He charmed his 
judges, and indeed all men, by his candor and 
greatness of soul. General Clinton loved him as 
a son, and suffered anguish at the thought of the 
fate that awaited Andre as a spy. He offered 
to exchange a number of officers of high rank 
for him, but the laws of war sentenced him to 
death by hanging. Many conferences were held 
by officers on both sides, for so great was the 
interest felt, even by Americans, in this noble 
and youthful victim, that Washington allowed 
every evidence to be weighed in his favor ; but 
the conclusion was irresistible that he was a 
spy. It was one of the saddest duties that 



Benedict Arnold — Dark Hours. 299 

Washington ever performed. The young En- 
glishman died as bravely as he had lived, and 
many a heart sighed for him on both sides of 
the Atlantic. 

"Arnold escaped, and received the gold and 
the rank ; but the British loathed him as the 
chief cause of the disgraceful death of the man 
they idolized." 



300 True Stories of the American Fathers, 




CHAPTER XXI. 

The Morning Seems to Dawn— Heaven Sends the 
Elements to Help— Hard Fighting in the Carolinas— 
Many Defeats -which Invariably turned out to be 
Victories. 

HIS evening, children, we must go back 
to the Carolinas, which we left, you re- 
member, in some trouble." 

"Yes, we remember only too well the battle 
of Camden," answered Albert. 

" The results were disastrous indeed ; the 
two Carolinas were once more at the mercy, 
I should like to say, but I must needs say, at 
the wrath, of Cornwallis and his bloodthirsty 
General Tarleton. The deeds of violence and 
cruelty perpetrated all over these States are 
too horrible to tell. The British army was 
posted through both States, and they lived by 
the plunder of the people. Washington beheld 
with anguish this state of affairs, as well as 
the desolation and pillage of his own State, 
but duty held him to his post on the Hud- 
son. He recalled General Gates, and sent 
to the Southern patriots his right and left 



The Mor7ting Seems to Dawn. 301 

hands, in the persons of Generals Greene and 
Morgan." 

" What ! Canada Morgan ? " asked Harry. 

" Yes, and Saratoga Morgan, and Monmouth 
Morgan." 

" I hope we'll begin to see better times down 
South," said Nannie. 

" We shall. This General Morgan was every 
whit as brave a man as Arnold ; put his name 
among your heroes, Albert, for he was as true 
as he was brave. In council Greene had no 
superior save only Washington, whom he loved 
to devotion, and whose tactics he had well 
studied. In battle, Morgan had no superior — 
no equal except Arnold, and he was under 
England's banner now, putting the torch to 
Virginia's homesteads and wasting her fair 
fields. Lord Cornwallis, who commanded all 
the British forces in the South, believing that 
the Carolinas were completely conquered, was 
instructed from England to push his victories 
into Virginia, where he would be joined by 
land and sea forces which Clinton would send 
from New York, and thus it was thought an 
easy conquest would be made of Virginia. With 
these three important States wrested from the 
armies of Congress, there was little doubt that 
the Americans would give over the struggle 



302 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

and close the war. The ministers of King 
George were now as much elated by their suc- 
cesses in the South as they had been when 
Burgoyne had accomplished the capture of Ti- 
conderoga and the lake defenses of New York, 
and their expectations were as sanguine of the 
final triumph of Cornwallis as they had been of 
that of Burgoyne. Let us see. When Corn- 
wallis heard that Morgan and Greene were ar- 
rived in North Carolina he made ready to meet 
them. Morgan, with his famous sharpshooters, 
was operating with Sumter and Marion, gath- 
ering up the fugitive militia, who had gone to 
their homes in despair after the disaster of Cam- 
den. He was also joined by Colonel Washing- 
ton, with a body of light horse. Greene was at 
another point, drilling such material as he had, 
and waiting for the reinforcements that Wash- 
ington had ordered to his support from Virginia, 
Maryland, and Delaware. Cornwallis sent the 
fierce, cruel, and hitherto unconquerable Tarle- 
ton to make a speedy end of Morgan, while he 
in person should advance and deal Greene a 
blow. 

" Tarleton wanted immediate battle ; Morgan 
did not, he therefore maneuvered for delay, 
until finding himself in good position he halted 
for battle. Tarjeton made one of his usual furi- 



The Morning Seems to Dawn. 303 

ous onslaughts. Morgan was seemingly every- 
where at once ; his presence was an inspiration. 
He was abiy seconded by Colonels Howard, 
Washington, and Pickens. The battle raged ; 
now fortune seemed to incline to Tarleton, and 
now to Morgan, until, gathering all his forces, 
Morgan led a general charge upon the English 
lines. The shock was tremendous ; they gave 
way and fled, the Americans pursued, and it 
became a rout. Tarleton lost eight hundred 
men, cannon, baggage, and colors. This was 
Morgan's battle of Cowpens, fought January, 
1781." 

The children clapped their hands and said 
they thought it was a good beginning for the 
New Year. 

" Cornwallis heard of this defeat with dismay. 
He wished to retrieve it by a hasty attack 
upon Morgan before he could join his forces to 
those of Greene ; if successful, he could afterward 
follow and attack Greene. 

Morgan was a good guesser. Expecting this 
blow from Cornwallis, he had started his prison- 
ers, baggage, and artillery forward, and followed 
with such good speed that he crossed the Ca- 
tawba, and from its right bank saw Cornwallis 
approaching. He had not crossed a moment 
too soon. Providentially, a heavy rain fell, and 



3C4 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

the fords swelled so rapidly that the British 
could not attempt to pass the river." 

" What is a ford ? " asked Stevey. 

" It is a shallow part of a stream which at 
low water allows a passage on foot. Greene, 
who had advanced to meet Morgan with part of 
his force, now took command, having directed 
the remainder of his army to join him higher 
up, at Guilford Court-House in North CaroUna. 
Cornwallis wished to strike a blow before 
they could reach this point and join forces. 
The English pursued with hot haste, wishing to 
revenge the shame of Cowpens ; they even de- 
stroyed their wagons, part of their artillery and 
private baggage, and took as little provisions as 
they could, so that they might be unincumbered. 
But the Americans outran them, and made good 
the passage of the Yadkin, drawing all the boats 
after them. The English arrived only in time 
to see their adversary safely across. They 
would have followed immediately, but Heaven 
sent another sweeping rain storm from the hills 
above, and so swelled the river that they could 
not cross." 

" How wonderful it was, aunty," said Nan^ 
nie, "such plain, unmistakable deliverance for 
our Fathers just in the time of their great 
extremity." 



The Morning Seems to Dawn. 305 

" It makes me think of Daniel with the lions, 
and the three children in the furnace," added 
Stevey, " and God sending his angel to deliver 
them." 

" It was exactly the same, dear Stevey ; the 
same faithful, unchangeable God, the same yester- 
day, to-day, and forever ; who never slumbers nor 
sleeps, but who watches and works with his faith- 
ful servants who have his cause in their keeping. 
He may sometimes suffer them to be hard 
pressed in the fight ; they may even be cast 
down, but they shall not be destroyed. Many 
a tribute of praise went up from American 
hearts for these special providences, without 
which defeat must inevitably have befallen them, 
as Cornwallis was in much greater strength. 
Greene did not wish to fight until all his forces 
were united, and, indeed, not then if maneuver- 
ing would answer instead. Cornwallis thus far 
had been completely outgeneraled. He had 
expected to fight Morgan before he could join 
Greene, and afterward to attack Greene before 
he could unite his forces. It was for this he had 
suffered the destruction of his wagons, artil- 
lery, stores, and baggage, and carrying scant 
rations withal, to which his officers and sol- 
diers submitted with admirable patience ; but 
it was all lost. Every part of his plan had failed 



3o6 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

thus far. Do you remember Corn wallis' object, 
Albert ? " 

" His instructions were to go to Virginia to 
join such forces as CHnton would send there 
by sea to assist him to subjugate that State." 

" Well answered. Washington had penetrated 
these designs, and he had also dispatched a 
considerable force thither under La Fayette. 
Now Corn wallis did not want to take Greene 
with him to Virginia ; he wanted to fight in 
Carolina and demolish Greene's army. But 
Greene was determined to go to Virginia if 
Corn wallis went, for he knew that . he would 
find reinforcements there. The question was 
now between the two generals who should get 
to Virginia first. 

" The Roanoke River separates the States of 
North Carolina and Virginia, and the upper part 
of it, where it is fordable for an army, is called 
the Dan. Both armies started in full chase for 
this upper ford. The English put forth incred- 
ible efforts, and reached it first ; they rejoiced 
greatly, for they thought they had fairly caught 
Greene ; they would now force him to battle and 
beat his army into small dust, thus revenging 
the shame of Cowpens and the failure at Cataw- 
ba and the Yadkin. Greene's position was in- 
deed critical, but he summoned all the resources 



The Morning Seems to Dawn. 307 

of his genius, though there was but one hope, 
namely, to cross at a lower ford. He turned 
and made for Boyd's Ferry, not knowing whether 
he would find it fordable or not. He pushed 
on at high speed, felling trees and breaking 
bridges behind him to delay the enemy, who 
were closely following. 

" Leaving his cavalry and some light infantry 
to block up the roads, Greene pressed forward 
with the artillery and baggage. Reaching the 
ford, he found it passable, and also found some 
boats, which much assisted him, so that he 
crossed safely with all his effects. Even the 
gallant rear guard of cavalry, which had done 
such good service, made a safe passage of the 
river, and when Cornwallis and the British came 
panting up on the Carolina side, Greene and his 
followers saluted them in military style from the 
Virginia side." 

" The top of the morning to you, Mr. Corn- 
wallis," said Harry, bowing low and pulling a 
lock of his hair. 

*' He was a live lord, please remember," said 
Albert. 

" His title didn't help him much through the 
pine logs and over the broken bridges," returned 
Harry. 

**The disappointment and vexation of the 



3o8 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

British general were extreme. All their fatigue 
and sufferings and losses counted nothing. 
They were outgeneraled, and did not dare at 
present to trust themselves in Virginia. In- 
stead of this, he established himself in North 
Carolina, and sent his right arm of terror, Gen- 
eral Tarleton, through the State, to overawe the 
republicans, stir up the king's friends, and bring 
as many of them as possible to enlist, and swell 
the numbers of his army. 

" But Greene, who had received further rein- 
forcements, did not intend to let CornwalHs 
and Tarleton desolate North Carolina as they 
had done South CaroHna ; so he boldly recrossed 
the Dan and threatened CornwalHs with attack. 
He advanced and took post at Guilford Court- 
House, and, having received still other re- 
inforcements, resolved to accept a battle if 
offered. CornwalHs knew he could not venture 
into Virginia without giving Greene battle 
on this side, and he could not much longer 
remain in an enemy's country, encumbered 
with his sick and wounded, without proper 
supplies. It was therefore necessary for him 
either to come to battle or retreat, and accord- 
ingly he advanced to Guilford Court-House. 
Greene outnumbered him two to one. Corn- 
walHs' force was not quite three thousand, 



The Morning Seems to Dawn. 309 

Greene's was six thousand. One half of these, 
however, were ill-armed militia. The battle 
opened skillfully on the part of the English. Af- 
ter one fire of muskets they charged the Caro- 
lina militia with bayonets, and they at once fled. 

" O brother ! " said Harry impatiently, " what 
ailed the Carolina militia ; they always ran away 
before they fought." 

" Touch them lightly Harry ; they were brave 
fellows, and did splendid guerrilla service. If 
they ran away one day, they were sure to come 
back the next, and were always ready to ' pick 
their flint and try it again.' They were really 
not fit for open field service, with only bird 
guns and rusty old firelocks. Is it wonderful 
that they could not stand against the burnished 
steel and artillery of these heavy ranks of Eu- 
ropean soldiers who had literally lived in battle } 
Then, of all things, a bayonet charge is the sever- 
est test of a soldier's firmness." 

"That's so," added Albert. "To stand a 
bayonet charge is something a soldier has to 
learn. I don't wonder they ran." 

" Well, what next, aunty," asked Nannie, 
anxiously. 

" Why, General Stevens, who commanded 
in their rear, seeing the confusion, assured 
his men that they had been instructed to fall 



310 True Stories of the Americaji Fathers. 

back after the first fire, and they must open 
their ranks and let them pass, then close up 
promptly after them. This saved the battle in 
this part of the field, but it raged furiously 
light and left. Victory, hovering above the 
standards of both armies, declined to fold her 
v^^ings on the banners of either ; it ended a 
drawn battle, though the British boasted a great 
deal, and called it a victory. The battle of 
Guilford Court-House took place March 15, 
1 78 1. They did hold the battle-field, but their 
loss in killed and wounded was greater than ours, 
so that Greene took strong position a few miles 
away, and was better prepared to renew the bat- 
tle than the British general, who was so encum- 
bered with his sick and wounded, and pinched 
for supplies, that his situation had become criti- 
cal. In council with his officers it was thought 
prudent to retreat to Wilmington, where their 
fleet were at anchor and could furnish the sup- 
plies they so much needed. So again the vic- 
tors fled before the vanquished. 

" Instead of following Cornwallis to Wilming- 
ton, Greene, seeing that North Carolina was 
now free from the presence of the British, 
pushed boldly on toward South CaroUna, whose 
inhabitants still lay exhausted beneath the cruel 
power of their foes. Cornwallis had left small 



The Morning Seems to Dawn. 3 1 1 

garrisons at Camden, Ninety-six, Augusta, and 
other fortified places, all under command of 
Lord Rawdon. Greene advanced toward Cam- 
den, but found it too well fortified to attempt 
an assault. He fortified himself on the heights, 
about a mile away, named Hobkirk's Hill. Lord 
Rawdon attacked him here, and after a sharp 
battle Greene fell back some miles. This was 
another British victory, though my Lord Raw- 
don, a few days after, found it best to destroy 
the fortifications at Camden, and fall back 
toward the sea-coast, as far down as Eutaw 
Springs. Meantime, Colonels Pickens and 
Clarke, with their militia, were knocking at the 
gates of Ninety-six and Augusta. The latter 
surrendered with its garrison to Colonel Pickens, 
and the garrison of Ninety-six were ordered to 
evacuate that post and join Lord Rawdon. 
Greene pursued him to Eutaw Springs, and 
the 8th of September, 1781, witnessed a hard- 
fought battle here. The British called it a vic- 
tory again ; but the American Congress voted 
Greene a medal of gold and one of the Con- 
gress standards, and the British shortly after 
withdrew from every part of the State, and shut 
themselves up within the intrenchments of 
Charleston. 

" Thus ended the campaign of the South, and 
20 



312 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

thus, after two years of hard, stubborn fighting, 
the whole fabric of British power in the Caro- 
linas fell to pieces." 

"And where was Cornwallis all this time," 
asked Harry. 

" I'll tell you to-morrow evening." 





Surrender of Cornwallis — Peace. 313 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Surrender of Cornwallis to "Wastiington — Peace. 

O W unfortunate we are ! " exclaimed 

Nannie, entering the library. " There 

is a letter from the manor, saying that 

Aunt Rachel is sick, and Alice and Aunt Edith 

are to go the day after to-morrow, and nobody 

can tell when they'll be back." 

"Well, at all events let us get to our places, 
for I think we'll hear the end of Cornwallis to- 
night," said Albert. " Here comes Aunt Edith 
now." 

Being seated, she inquired where they had 
left Cornwallis last evening. 

"At Wilmington, where he found it neces- 
sary to retreat after his brilliant victory at Guil- 
ford Court House," said Harry. 

"Yes. Here he called a council of officers, 
for they had come to the parting of the ways. 
Cornwallis must either chase Greene back 
through South Carolina, or push through North 
Carolina into Virginia, and execute his iong- 
baffled plan. His army was fatigued and worn 
down by their long, difficult, and rapid marches ; 



314 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

and the thought of retracing their steps over 
the same ground, every part of the route 
marked by disappointment and disaster, with 
little hope of better fortune, was discouraging 
in the extreme. Yet his officers differed in 
opinion. Some thought, and very sensibly too, 
that they had better go back to South Carolina 
and keep what they had gained by two years 
of hard fighting, than to try their fortune on 
new fields, and further urging that if they did 
not go to the assistance of their garrisons in 
South Carolina these would inevitably be over- 
come ; just as you have seen that they were. 
But Cornwallis decided for a Virginia campaign, 
hoping, with Clinton's co-operation from New 
York, that he would find better fortune for the 
British arms. After a most tedious and diffi- 
cult march of three hundred miles through 
North Carolina he reached Petersburgh, where 
he took command of all the British forces in 
Virginia. 

<< Virginia had been for some time desolated 
by a band of British marauders under Benedict 
Arnold, who wreaked his vengeance on its de- 
fenseless inhabitants without measure or mercy. 
Washington had sent La Fayette there to hold 
the monster in4check, and cover the homes and 
heads of the terrified women and children. On 



Surrender of Coiniivallis — Peaec. 3 1 5 

one occasion they had nearly succeeded in cap- 
turing him, but he escaped. He afterward in- 
quired of an American officer who was in his 
camp under a flag of truce, * What would you 
have done with me if you had caught me ? ' 
He answered promptly, *We should have buried 
with every mark of honor that one of your legs 
which was wounded in our service ; the rest of 
your body we should have hanged.' 

" Seeing that Virginia was now to become the 
scene of warfare between the contending armies, 
Washington laid his plans accordingly. He 
called a council of American and French land 
and naval officers. Intelligence was received 
just at this time that the Count de Grasse 
would soon arrive with reinforcements of land 
and sea forces. Two plans were discussed : 
the capture of New York, and the siege of 
Yorktown, where Cornwallis had intrenched 
himself. These plans were fully debated. To 
take New York was by far the most difficult 
and tedious work, and the Count de Grasse, by 
instructions of the French government, could 
remain only a limited time in American waters. 
The capture of Cornwallis and his army ap- 
peared entirely possible within that time, and 
the Virginia campaign was decided upon. They 
gave out, however, that they intended to attack 



3i6 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

New York ; for Washington wished to mislead 
CHnton, so that he might keep his forces for its 
defense, instead of sending reinforcements to 
CornwalUs. Washington wrote letters concern- 
ing his plans of attack, and purposely let them 
fall into British hands. All the dispositions of 
his troops were made to favor this design ; he 
even caused a large army bakery to be erected 
on the New Jersey coast. Clinton was com- 
pletely deceived. The French fleets put out to 
sea as if to maneuver, and Washington led his 
army into New Jersey, and marched as far as 
Trenton on the Delaware. Here he paused, 
giving out that he wished to draw Clinton out 
of his intrenchments. Clinton was very wise, 
and kept his doors fast locked. 

" Washington knew that as soon as he passed 
the Delaware all disguises must be dropped, as 
Clinton could no longer doubt his real inten- 
tions. He waited until he received intelligence 
that the French fleet had reached the coasts 
of Virginia. He then instantly put his army in 
motion ; they crossed the Delaware, and ran 
rather than marched through Pennsylvania to 
the head of the Chesapeake Bay. Not finding 
adequate transports they marched to Annapolis, 
where the French fleet received them and 
landed them near Williamsburgh. Finding the 



Surrender of Cornwallis — Peace. 3 1 7 

French fleet had disappeared from Newport, 
the British Admiral Graves immediately put to 
sea and steered for the Chesapeake. He had 
heard nothing, of course, of the expected French 
fleet under De Grasse, and only thought to en- 
counter the fleet under De Barras. Finding 
them both, however, and knowing how fatal it 
would be to allow the French to remain mas- 
ters of the Chesapeake, he bravely prepared for 
battle. The battle went sorely against him, 
and he was obliged to convey his shattered ves- 
sels back to New York for repairs. 

" You may imagine Clinton's vexation upon 
finding how completely he had been outwitted. 
In order to attract Washington's attention, and, 
if possible, draw off his forces from Virginia, 
he planned an expedition of fircj plunder, and 
murder into Connecticut, putting Arnold in 
command. The destruction ^nd suffering were 
without parallel, but Washington would not stir 
a man from before Yorktown. 

"The Americans had drawn a.found Corn- 
wallis a circle of batteries, which was soon to 
be a circle of fire. He hoped to be able, how- 
ever, to hold out until Clinton could detach an 
army and fleet to his succor. He received a 
letter in cipher stating that the fleet would sail 
from New York not later than October 5, and 



3i8 True Stoi'ies of the American Fathers, 

urging him to hold out. So the British worked 
industriously to strengthen their defenses ; the 
Americans and French worked quite as briskly, 
advancing their parallels, and erecting batteries, 
which they crowned with more than one hun- 
dred heavy guns. The 5th of October came, 
but no signs of the fleet. The fire of the 
French and American gunners had been given 
with fatal precision and effect, and many of the 
British defenses were battered into rubbish. 
Day after day passed. The repairs of the Brit- 
ish fleet at New York were still uncompleted, 
notwithstanding Clinton's extreme anxiety for 
the safety of Cornwallis. Another letter came 
saying they would surely sail on the 12th of 
October. Cornwallis began to despair. He be-' 
held battery after battery dismantled, their walls 
of defense crumibling under the well-directed 
fire of the allies. Two strong redoubts remained 
to be taken. Washington ordered an assault, 
assigning one to the French and the other to 
the Americans. The Americans were led by 
the Marquis de La Fayette and Colonel Alex- 
ander Hamilton, one of Washington's aides, and 
a young man of brilliant promise, who in after 
life fulfilled all the promise of his youth. The 
French were led by able and enthusiastic young 
French offlcers. There was great emulation 



Stirrender of Cornwallis— Peace. 3 19 

between the French and American soldiers as 
to which should first gain possession of the 
redoubt assigned to them. Their officers ad- 
dressed them a few words of inspiration ; the 
attack was made with the greatest impetu- 
osity, and the redoubts carried at the point 
of the bayonet, with little loss of life on either 
side. 

" This achievement brought great glory both 
to French and Americans, and Washington pre- 
sented the French regiments with the cannon 
which crowned the redoubt they had carried. 
Cornwallis, seeing only ruin before him, and 
beholding the sufferings of his men, now 
crowded into a small space, more than two 
thousand disabled by wounds and camp fever, 
which raged among them, listened to the advice 
of his officers, and resolved to attempt an es- 
cape. On the night of the i8th of October the 
plan was attempted. The sick and wounded 
were left with a letter to Washington from Corn- 
wallis, recommending them to his mercy and 
generosity, notv/ithstanding the monstrous cru- 
elties the British were at this very moment 
perpetrating in Connecticut. The largest part 
of the British army safely embarked in small 
boats to cross the James river, when a most un- 
expected and violent squall arose, driving the 



320 True Stofies of the American Fathers. 

boats down the river, and threatening them, 
with instant destruction. 

" With great difficulty they succeeded in re- 
landing, and returned to their camp feeling that 
the decrees of Providence were against them. 
On the morning of October 19, 1781, Cornwal- 
lis, perceiving their condition past all remedy, 
sent a flag to Washington, and proposals to ap- 
point commissioners to arrange for capitulation. 
* The posts of York and Gloucester were sur- 
rendered on the 19th of October. The land 
forces became prisoners to America and the 
seamen to France. The officers retained their 
arms and baggage. All the shipping and na- 
val stores fell to the French. The Americans 
took the field artillery — one hundred and sixty 
pieces of cannon. The prisoners amounted to 
over seven thousand. The talents and bravery 
displayed in this siege by the allies won them 
immortal glory, and they enhanced it by the 
humanity and generosity with which they treated 
their prisoners. The French officers in particu- 
lar honored themselves by the most delicate 
behavior. Lord Cornwallis, in his public letters, 
acknowledged in warm terms the magnanimity 
of this conduct.' 

" The fleet that Clinton was to send to their 
relief left New York on the 19th of October, 



Siirrerider of Comwallis — Peace. 321 

the very day of the capitulation. Arriving at 
the mouth of the Chesapeake they learned the 
real state of affairs, sorrowfully turned their 
ships' prows, and carried the evil tidings back to 
New York. You can readily imagine the na- 
tional rejoicings over so great a victory. There 
was no longer any doubt concerning the triumph 
of the republican cause. This great disaster, 
following upon the expulsion of the British army 
from the Southern States, would certainly de- 
termine the British Ministry to cease the strug- 
gle of arms. 

"The names of Washington, Rochambeau, De 
Grasse, and La Fayette were on every tongue. 
Congress addressed thanks alike to generals, 
officers, and soldiers, distributing to Washing- 
ton and the French officers the standards 
and cannon captured during the siege. * The 
Congress repaired in a body to one of the 
churches in Philadelphia to render their thanks 
to the most high God for this victory, and also 
appointed the 13th of December as a day of 
prayer and acknowledgment for so signal an 
evidence of Divine protection.' The State leg- 
islatures, the universities, and the literary socie- 
ties also addressed Washington, *The sincere 
homage of their felicitations and admiration, to 
which he answered with exemplary modesty 



322 Trite Stories of the American Fathers. 

that he had done no more than what his duty 
required of him. He was eloquent in extolUng 
the valor of the army, and the assistance of an 
ally no less generous than powerful ! ' 

" When the news arrived in England a general 
sentiment of hopeless consternation filled the 
land. They were heartily weary of a war which 
had been unpopular from the first with the En- 
glish people, and which had piled up the national 
debt and burdened the people until their patience 
was exhausted. They clamored for a change 
of Ministers who could treat with America for 
peace. So great was the pressure that Lord 
North at last resigned, making way for more 
peaceful counsels. 

" No other military events occurred in Amer- 
ica, but the war still raged between England 
and France, Spain, and Holland, on the high 
seas for a year longer ; but having attained the 
chief object of going to war, namely, the separa- 
tion of the American colonies from England, 
France also inclined to peace. 

" In the year 1782, at Paris, the several treaties 
were signed between England and America, 
and between England and the European powers. 
The most important conditions of the treaty be- 
tween England and America was that the king 
of England acknowledge the liberty, sovereignty, 



Surrender of Cornwallis — Peace. 323 

and independence of the ■ thirteen United 
States of America, which were all named suc- 
cessively. Imaginary lines of boundary were 
agreed upon which brought within the territory 
of the United States immense countries, lakes, 
and rivers, to which up to that time they had 
never pretended any sort of claim. 

" Thus gloriously ended the long and desper- 
ate struggle of our American Fathers for their 
national liberties. And now, children, I will 
conclude this story with one of the grandest 
scenes the history of the world affords. I have 
told you again and again how the fame of Wash- 
ington had spread into all lands, because of his 
devotion to his country — a devotion which had 
been subjected to the severest test and had been 
found pure. But the days of peril and struggle 
were ended, and now the world held its breath 
as it looked on to see whether Washington 
would selfishly wear his laurels for his own 
glory, or whether these, too, were to be laid on 
the altar of his country. In the hour of triumph 
and power, the idol of the army and of the na- 
tion, no dream of personal aggrandizement 
ruffled the calm of his noble soul. The Chris- 
tian hero had done his work in the spirit of that 
divine Master who came not to be ministered un- 
to but to minister. He had already received a 



324 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

reward from that Master, and bore it with him 
in his own bosom, unseen by mortal eye. No 
marvel, then, that earthly honors seemed to 
him as the dust in the balance ; they could 
not lure him from the path of duty. He had 
a longing for the sweet rest of his own fire- 
side, but no hunger for the honor that cometh 
of men. 

" Peace had been declared, and its fruits se- 
cured to his country, but the supreme power 
conferred upon him by Congress still remained 
in the hands of Washington. He therefore com- 
municated to that body, then in session in the 
city of Annapolis, in Maryland, his resolution 
to resign his command, and requested to know 
if it would be their pleasure to receive his resig- 
nation in writing, or at an audience. The 
Congress replied, and appointed the 23d of 
December for that ceremony. On that day 
the hall was crowded with the noble spirits of 
the young republic. The legislative and exec- 
utive officials of Congress and of the various 
States, officers of the army, distinguished 
foreign officers, and the consul-general of 
France, were present. At the hour designated 
the general was introduced by the secretary, 
and conducted to a seat near the President. 
A profound silence reigned ; the members of 



Surrender of Cornwallis — Peace. 325 

Congress remained seated, and the spectators 
stood with uncovered heads. After an interval, 
the President, General Mifflin, informed him 
that the United States, in Congress assembled, 
were ready to receive his communications. 

" Washington rose, and with inexpressible 
dignity delivered the following address : — 

" ' Mr. President : — The great events on 
which my resignation depended having at 
length taken place, I have now the honor of 
offering my sincere congratulations to Congress, 
and presenting myself before them to surrender 
into their hands the trust committed to me, 
and to claim the indulgence of retiring from 
the service of my country. 

" ' Happy in the confirmation of our independ- 
ence and sovereignty, and pleased with the op- 
portunity afforded the United States of becom- 
ing a respectable nation, I resign with satisfac- 
tion the appointment I accepted with diffidence ; 
a diffidence in my abihties to accomplish so ar- 
duous a task, which, however, was superseded 
by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, 
the support of the supreme power of the Union, 
and the patronage of Pleaven. 

" ' The successful termination of the war 
has verified the most sanguine expectations \ 



326 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

and my gratitude for the interposition of Prov- 
idence and the assistance I have received from 
my countrymen increases with every review of 
the momentous contest. 

" ' While I repeat my obligation to the army 
in general, I should do injustice to my own feel- 
ings not to acknowledge, in this place, the pe- 
culiar services and distinguished merits of the 
gentlemen who have been attached to my per- 
son during the war. It was impossible that 
the choice of confidential officers to compose 
my family should have been more fortunate. 
Permit me, sir, to recommend in particular 
those who have continued in service to the 
present moment as worthy of the favorable 
notice and patronage of Congress. 

" * I consider it an indispensable duty to close 
this last solemn act of my official life by com- 
mending the interests of our dearest country to 
the protection of Almighty God, and those who 
have the superintendence of them to his holy 
keeping. 

" ' Having now finished the work assigned 
me, I retire from the great theater of action ; 
and, bidding an affectionate farewell to this 
august body, under Whose orders I have so long 
acted, I here offer my commission and take my 
leave of all the employments of public life.' " 



Surrender of Cornwallis — Peace. 327 

" Having thus spoken, Washington advanced 
to the president, and deposited his commission 
in his hands. 

"The president, on behalf of the Congress, 
made the following reply : — 

" * Sir : The United States, in Congress as- 
sembled, receive with emotions too affecting for 
utterance the solemn resignation of the author- 
ities under which you have led their troops with 
success through a perilous and a doubtful war. 
Called upon by your country to defend its in- 
vaded rights, you accepted the sacred charge 
before it had formed alliances, and while it was 
without funds or a government to support you. 
You have conducted the great military contest 
with wisdom and fortitude, invariably regarding 
the rights of the civil power through all dis- 
asters and changes. You have, by the love and 
confidence of your fellow-citizens, enabled 
them to display their martial genius and transmit 
their fame to posterity. You have persevered 
till these United States, aided by a magnani- 
mous king and nation, have been enabled, 
under a just Providence, to close the war in 
freedom, safety, and independence, on which 
happy event we sincerely join you in congratu- 
lations. 

21 



328 True Stories of the American Fathers. 

" ' Having defended the standard of liberty 
in this new world, having taught a lesson useful 
to those who inflict and to those who feel op- 
pression, you retire from the gre^t theater of 
action with the blessings of your fellow-citizens ; 
but the glory of your virtues will not terminate 
with your military command : it will continue to 
animate remotest ages. 

'^ ' We feel with you our obligations to the 
army in general, and will particularly charge 
ourselves with the interests of those confiden- 
tial officers who have attended your person to 
this affecting moment. 

" * We join you in commending the interest 
of our dearest country to the protection of Al- 
mighty God, beseeching him to dispose the 
hearts and minds of its citizens to improve the 
opportunity afforded them of becoming a happy 
and respectable nation. And for you we address 
to him our earnest prayers that a life so beloved 
may be fostered with all his care, that your 
days may he happy as they have been illustrious, 
and that he will finally give you that reward 
which this world cannot give.* 

"At the conclusion of this address a long 
and profound silence pervaded the Chamber. 
Each soul was filled with the greatness of 



Surrender of Cornwallis — Peace. 329 

the hour; for in the exaltation of this man 
all the race were lifted up. Immediately after, 
Washington sought the long-desired repose 
of his beautiful home on the banks of the 
Potomac." 



THE END. 



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